Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) has received the Government's Award for Voluntary Swedish Efforts in Support of Ukraine 2025!

Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) has received the Government's Award for Voluntary Swedish Efforts in Support of Ukraine 2025!

This award is more than recognition of our work. It testifies to the strength of everyone who didn't stand aside. The strength of those who choose to act when chaos and pain surround us. Those who see not war, but human lives: children, mothers, fathers whose lives changed forever in a single moment.

When we started more than three years ago, we had no idea where this path would lead. We just knew we had to act, to help, to stand with Ukraine in whatever way we could.

Since 2022, HUG has provided humanitarian support to Ukraine valued at more than SEK 140 million. We have delivered humanitarian aid, rescue vehicles, and medical equipment to hospitals and the frontline, supported families forced to flee from war, and created safe spaces for children and adults - both in Sweden and Ukraine.  

Today, we help Ukrainian war veterans reintegrate into society – those who defend our freedom at the cost of their own health and lives.

This is the very first time the Government of Sweden, together with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and Swedish Institute has presented an award for voluntary efforts in support of Ukraine.  

“The government has greatly increased support to Ukraine, both civilian and military.But at least as important as these support packages are the great efforts made by Swedes on a voluntary basis. By Swedes who give of their time and their own money to support Ukraine.” - Benjamin Dousa, Minister of Assistance and Foreign Trade

For our team, receiving it is both an honor and a responsibility. It shows that volunteer initiatives, born out of urgency and compassion, are seen and valued at the highest level of Swedish society.

Tilde Addenbrooke was recognized as an individual volunteer who showed exceptional courage in coordinating humanitarian aid to particularly war-torn areas in her activities at the front.

“The x-factor to Ukraine's success is not guns, ammunition or any other aid provided by friends and allies. The X factor is the Ukrianians themselves.

The significance of this recognition extends beyond our organization alone.  What began as an emergency response has grown into comprehensive support programs that address both immediate needs and long-term recovery, always guided by needs of the Ukrainian community.

"Getting an award of this kind is not only a way of recognizing what has already been achieved – it can also inspire others to follow. If not by starting their own organization, then by supporting or contributing in some way. This award is another way to create visibility for all the good work that has been done, not just by the state, but also by the NGO sector." - Ann Milton, Head of Project funding at the Swedish Institute  

We are grateful to every partner who supported us, every volunteer who joined us, and everyone who donated to help Ukraine. We thank the Swedish community for their trust and continued support.