In February, we at Helio launched a fundraiser to drive an ambulance down to Ukraine. Together with our community, we raised money for a fully equipped ambulance, and last weekend our CEO Patrik Åström drove it to Lviv. It has now reached the front line and is already in use.
Here he shares why we did it, how it went, and what it is like on site.
Why is Helio doing this?
Last winter, we felt we had to do something concrete for Ukraine. Russia was trying to freeze millions of Ukrainian civilians to death by destroying critical energy infrastructure, while the war was becoming part of the daily news routine and other conflicts were taking over the headlines. But Russian bombs continue to fall every night.
At Helio, we have something quite unique: a community of more than 1,500 members — companies and people who care. So we wanted to use that strength to make a difference. It is about contributing an ambulance, but also about highlighting the work done by Karavanen Ukraina. They make sure the help reaches where it is needed quickly, concretely, and without intermediaries.
How did the fundraiser go?
Beyond expectations. We are grateful for everything — from small donations to the single largest contribution of SEK 50,000 from one member.
But what really stands out is the engagement! Members, our team, and our property partners all stepped forward. Encouragement, sharing the campaign, people wanting to contribute, and several who wanted to come along as drivers.
In the end, it was me and member Annika Bruno from Slussen who drove, together with a larger convoy of vehicles — trucks, pickups, and medical equipment.
The money from Helio specifically went toward purchasing a Norwegian ambulance — a few years old Mercedes — which is now in operation.
How was the journey?
Very special and difficult to fully take in. Lviv (located 1,000 km from the front line) is full of life — early summer, people in the streets, squares, and restaurants. At the same time, the war is present all the time. Buildings that have been bombed still standing, not yet repaired.
I attended a morning service in a church where the walls were covered with pictures of fallen soldiers. Row after row. Many the same age as my own sons. During the thank-you dinner with aid workers and soldiers, you got a clearer picture of the reality at the front line, and how severe the shortage of almost everything is.
What makes Karavanen Ukraina so effective is precision. These are never general donations, only the exact vehicles and equipment they have requested — down to the exact model and year.
Who are Karavanen Ukraina?
The real heroes in this context are Karavanen Ukraina and their organization. They are a non-profit organization that has delivered vehicles and medical equipment to Ukraine for several years. Behind the Swedish part are the driving forces Patrik Jaldevik and Per Ottoson, with enormous dedication.
The model is simple: 100% of the money goes to vehicles and equipment. Everything is delivered to Lviv and then sent onward to where the needs are greatest.
The fundraiser for the Helio ambulance is complete, but Karavanen Ukraina continues with more convoys. The next convoy is already being planned for summer. If you would like to contribute, take a look at their website here and support with money, engagement, or materials.
