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The summer of 2023 was an unforgettable time for the Ukrainian children who attended the HUG summer camp. In a world filled with uncertainty, loss, and trauma, the camp became more than just a summer activity—it became a sanctuary. A place where children could breathe, laugh, and, for a short while, feel like life was normal again. Here, they weren’t refugees. They weren’t children of war. They were just kids, playing, exploring, and creating memories that would stay with them long after the summer ended.

This year, the camp expanded—not just in numbers but in experiences. Nearly 100 Ukrainian kids who moved to Sweden after full scale invasion, and 20 children who HUG brought to rehabilitation from Ukraine took part, split between two locations: the familiar surroundings of Högsbo and the breathtaking landscapes of the Gothenburg archipelago. With each passing day, bonds grew stronger, laughter echoed louder, and the weight of past experiences seemed just a little lighter.

A Summer of Growth and Joy

At the camp in Högsbo, days were filled with movement, creativity, and play. Sports and games helped the children release pent-up energy, while creative workshops allowed them to express themselves in ways words sometimes couldn’t. Painting, music, and storytelling became outlets for emotions too complex to say out loud. Here, in a safe and supportive environment, the children could explore their feelings, process their past, and find joy in the present.

Meanwhile, on the island of Styrsö, the sea became both a playground and a place of reflection. The children swam in the salty water, built sandcastles, and explored the island’s nature trails. Excursions gave them the chance to experience the Swedish summer in all its beauty—many for the first time. Some had never been to the sea before, never felt the waves pull at their feet or the sun warm their skin in quite this way. These small but meaningful experiences helped create a sense of wonder and discovery, offering a break from the worries of everyday life.

But the true magic of the camp was in the connections made—the friendships that formed between children who, despite different backgrounds and stories, understood each other in a way few others could. In the laughter, in the shared moments of excitement, in the quiet conversations before bedtime, they found a sense of belonging that had been missing for far too long.

A Day Filled With Laughter and Healing

One of the most unforgettable days at camp was the visit from Clowns Without Borders, an organization dedicated to bringing joy to children in crisis. As the clowns performed their playful routines, the children’s laughter rang through the air—pure, unrestrained, and infectious. Some laughed so hard they cried, while others, hesitant at first, soon found themselves swept up in the fun.

"This is something we will never forget," said one of the camp leaders. "Seeing the children laugh, despite everything they've been through, is the best proof of how important our work is.”

For many of these children, laughter had been rare in recent months. Their lives had been filled with fear, confusion, and constant change. But here, in this moment, they weren’t defined by their past. They were simply kids, living in the now, caught up in the magic of the performance.

More Than Just a Camp—A Step Toward Healing

We also managed to bring 20 kids from Ukraine. This children saw the occupation and war, were forced to leave their homes, friends and places dear to their hearts. The war has caused the greatest wounds - it is scary and painful and children need therapy with a psychologist, a change of scenery and new positive emotions. The impact of the camp extended far beyond the summer. Each experience, every new friendship, and all the moments of joy became stepping stones toward healing. The camp gave these children something priceless: hope. Hope that life could still be filled with happiness. Hope that even in a new country, far from home, they could find community. Hope that the future, however uncertain, could still be bright.

But the effects of the camp didn’t stop with the children. The parents, volunteers, and the entire Hug community felt the ripples of its impact. Parents saw their children return home each day with smiles on their faces, eager to share the stories of their adventures. Volunteers formed deep bonds with the children, learning their stories, their dreams, and their resilience. And as an organization, HUG once again saw firsthand the profound difference that a few weeks of care, structure, and joy could make.

‍Creating Hope for the Future

With each camp, we create an environment where children can feel like children again. But we also create something bigger—a network of support, a foundation of love, and a future built on hope and resilience. These camps are not just a summer event; they are a vital part of helping children rebuild their sense of self and security in a world that has been turned upside down.

With your help, we can continue to provide these life-changing experiences. Your support allows us to offer children a summer filled with safety, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Join us in making a difference—for the sake of the children and a brighter tomorrow.

A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors who make this possible!

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On March 26, we at HUG, together with Poppels City Brewery, organized a special charity dinner in Gothenburg to support families in newly liberated areas of Ukraine. We were honored to welcome renowned Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko, who amazed 120 guests with a secret menu celebrating the rich flavors and traditions of Ukrainian cuisine.

Our mission was simple — to raise funds for food parcels for families affected by the war. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to supply food to 450 people who need it most.

For every ticket bought, five food packages were secured for Ukrainian families — turning your support into real help for those facing hardship.

This remarkable night was made possible through the dedication and passion of so many. We are deeply grateful to Vitaliy Chubukov and Poppels City Brewery for their unwavering commitment and hard work in bringing this event to life.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to our incredible volunteers and every guest who stood with us, shared their support, and showed solidarity with Ukraine during these challenging times.

Your compassion provided hope when it was needed most, and that together, we can make a difference.

Thank you for standing with us and for Ukraine.

In the summer of 2022, as war forced millions of Ukrainian families to flee their homes, HUG opened the doors to its first-ever summer camp in Högsbo. It became a place of refuge for 70 Ukrainian children—children who had been uprooted from everything familiar and thrown into an uncertain future. At the camp, they found something invaluable: safety, community, and a chance to just be kids again.

For many, it was the first time in months they could truly relax. The trauma of war and displacement had left its mark, but here, in this small corner of Sweden, there was space for healing. The children arrived with different stories—some had left behind parents, friends, or pets; others had witnessed destruction firsthand. But together, they built something new: friendships, confidence, and memories filled with joy.

A Day at Camp: Fun, Healing, and Laughter

Each day was packed with activities designed to inspire and uplift. From the moment the children arrived in the morning, the air was filled with excitement. Dancing, singing, and theater allowed them to express emotions they couldn’t always put into words. Through arts and crafts, they poured their hearts into drawings and handmade creations, many of which reflected their homes, families, and dreams for the future.

Then there were the magical moments—ones that would stay with the children long after the camp ended. The day the entire group danced to Ukraine’s Eurovision-winning song Stefania was one of those moments. As the music played, voices joined in, feet pounded the floor, and joy spread like a wave through the room. For a brief time, all worries melted away, and there was only music, movement, and a shared love for their homeland.

Surprises were around every corner. A therapy dog visited, offering gentle comfort and unconditional love, providing a sense of calm for children who had experienced immense stress. And then, the unexpected happened—Spiderman himself appeared, making the children squeal with excitement. For a moment, they weren’t just displaced kids far from home; they were superheroes in their own right.

A Lifeline for Families

The impact of the camp wasn’t just felt by the children. Parents told us how much it meant to them to see their children excited again, to hear laughter instead of anxious silence. Many shared how their kids woke up early, eager to return to camp each day.

One of the most moving experiences for both children and adults was their participation in Gothia Cup, where they had the chance to cheer on Ukrainian teams. It wasn’t just a sports event—it was a moment of deep connection to their homeland. As they watched their country’s players on the field, their pride was tangible. Some cried, some waved flags, and all felt a renewed sense of belonging.

"These children do not come from happy circumstances, and they are not here in Sweden by their own will. Therefore, it is very important and valuable that we create a meaningful and happy everyday life so that they can deal with this situation in the best possible way," says Kateryna Blagodyr, one of HUG’s founders. [Source: Link]

More Than a Camp—A New Beginning

For many, Hug Summer Camp 2022 was more than just a summer activity. It was the start of something bigger: a space where children could rebuild confidence, feel seen and heard, and find hope for the future. These experiences matter. A simple summer filled with fun, friends, and moments of joy can be life-changing for a child who has been through so much. And with your help, we can continue to provide this kind of support.

Your donation can give more children a summer of safety, joy, and healing.

Together, we can make a difference—one smile, one hug, one unforgettable summer at a time.

A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors who make this possible!