"You have to be persistent and fight for what you believe in," says 12-year-old Svante. He has organized several fundraising campaigns. By selling paintings, swimming, and skiing, he has raised nearly 30,000 Swedish kronor (SEK) support children's rights.
When Svante was ten years old, he decided to make a difference for children in war-torn Ukraine. Svante swam a total of 1,600 meters in his local swimming pool, and for every meter he swam, people around him chose to make a donation to Erikshjälpen. Through his own fundraising , he fundraising a total of 19,000 Swedish kronor (SEK) the children.
If everyone does the same thing, we can make a lot of money.
Svante (2025). Photo: Private.
Svante (2025). Photo: Private.
Svante (2025). Photo: Private.
Svante (2025). Photo: Private.
Svante's idea behind the fundraiser was that many of us live privileged lives, while others do not. By getting people to donate—for example, for him to swim—they can continue their normal lives while helping others.
"If everyone does the same thing, we can raise a lot of money. Not everyone wants to give anything, but you have to start somewhere," says Svante.
Afterwards, I felt really good and proud of what I had done.
The so-called "Easter Swim" is not the only time Svante has done his own fundraising. When he was 7 years old, he sold paintings, and he has also skied for the children in Uganda. That time, he raised over 10,000 Swedish kronor (SEK).
"I noticed that if I did physical activities, I could get people to donate. And the greater the effort I made, the more money I raised," says Svante. Afterwards, I felt really good and proud of what I had done.
Svante's tips for successful fundraising to set a date well in advance so that there is time to spread the word and find sponsors who are interested in participating. Use social media and be clear about where the money is going.
"You have to be persistent and fight for it," says Svante. "And explain what everything is going towards so that they don't think you're keeping it for yourself. I know that Erikshjälpen makes sure that the money goes to the right things, to the children."
You have to be stubborn and fight,
Svante (2025). Photo: Private.
Svante (2025). Photo: Private.
Author: Lena Elf
Tomas Bjöersdorff from Kalmar started his own fundraising connection with his 70th birthday. A large party was organized with the theme "Sällskapsresan" (The Company Trip), and together the guests raised SEK 14,700 SEK Erikshjälpen's work in Bangladesh.
"It was a party to remember! Life begins at 70, everything before that is research," Tomas says enthusiastically.
The invitation stated, "If you would like to contribute, Tomas would appreciate a donation to Erikshjälpen's work in Bangladesh, which is close to his heart." The appeal was well received, and the collection ended up raising 14 Swedish kronor (SEK)700 Swedish kronor (SEK).
– Many people know my story and my connection to Erikshjälpen. That's why it felt natural to start fundraising something that meant a lot to me.
Instead of a flower for 300 Swedish kronor (SEK) me, it could be a food package.
I think many people can relate to this—you have most things, and what you don't have, you can get yourself. But everyone wants to join in and celebrate and help; they probably felt that the collection for the children was an important cause. Instead of a flower for 300 Swedish kronor (SEK) me, it could be a food package.
Starting your own fundraising difficult. But before you do so, Tomas recommends taking some time to think things through and do your own research.
– I think it's important to consider what you want to support and what the money will contribute to. For me, it was natural to choose Erikshjälpen. I am familiar with their work for children and I know that the money will reach its destination. Erikshjälpen has low administrative costs and I have seen for myself what a difference it makes for the children.
Author: Frida Vingren
Therese "Tessan" Blåsol and her friend Helena Simonsson had previously walked 100,000 steps in a day just for fun. When it was time to hike again, they wanted to combine business with pleasure and therefore chose to raise money for a good cause at the same time.
"Children are very close to both our hearts. We chose Erikshjälpen because it is the organization that spends the least money on administration and the most on its purpose," says Tessan.
Therese Blåsol. Photo: Private
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson. Photo: Private
Therese Blåsol. Photo: Private
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson. Photo: Private
It's much more fun when you contribute to something!
The first route chosen by the sports-mad friends was between Skummeslövstrand and Ängelholm. The hike took them all the way around the Bjäre Peninsula, and they were able to donate one gift for every 10,000 steps they took. In total, they raised 9,000 Swedish kronor (SEK).
"It's much more fun when you contribute to something good. The world is the way it is, and I can't fix everything myself, but I can do something small. Hopefully, our 100,000 steps can inspire others to contribute in their own small way," says Tessan.
Two years later, in the spring of 2025, it was time again. This time, Therese and Helena chose to stay close to home and hike around Lake Vittsjön in northern Skåne. The hike began at five in the morning, and for each lap around the lake, participants could donate any amount they wished.
By eleven o'clock in the evening, they had reached 100,000 steps and collected 7,000 Swedish kronor (SEK).
– We were pretty exhausted afterwards. The weather also has a big impact. Last time, it was wet and rainy at the start, and then it rained even more, which really hurt our feet and gave us lots of blisters. It took a long time to recover.
Don't overthink it, just go for it, it's not that difficult.
They have used Facebook and Instagram to spread the word about the fundraising campaign to as many people as possible. At the same time, it is difficult to stand out in the noise. Ahead of the second hike, they therefore started an event on Facebook to make it as easy as possible to follow the fundraising campaign.
Simplicity is something that Tessan emphasizes a little extra.
– Don't overthink it, just go for it, it's not that difficult. And have fun – it should be enjoyable, pleasurable, and inspire others.
Author: Johan Larsson
Photo: Private
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson. Photo: Private
Photo: Private
Therese Blåsol and Helena Simonsson. Photo: Private
Every autumn, Grevhagsskolan school in Eksjö raises money for Erikshjälpen's work for children around the world.
The students offer various services, such as raking leaves or baking. They also organize a Christmas market with homemade cookies, apple glogg, and rice wreaths.
"It's fun to be involved in making sure that children have a better life," says Carmen Kindberg, a student at Grevhagsskolan. All children deserve to go to school and have a good home.
Samuel, 12 years old. Photo: Private
Carmen Kindberg. Photo: Private
Samuel, 12 years old. Photo: Private
Carmen Kindberg. Photo: Private
It's fun to be involved and help make things better for the children.
The children at Grevhagsskolan do day's work at home or in their neighborhood. They help rake leaves, bake, clean, or cook dinner for the family. For the younger students in preschool through third grade, a Christmas market is organized, with homemade cookies, the school's own apple glogg, and rice wreaths. Everything is made during the children's free time. The courtyard is decorated with market stalls and lighting, and all proceeds from the sale go to help children in Bangladesh.
"It was fun to clean my aunt's house and paint, but it also feels good to help other children," says Samuel, 12, who did two days of work during this year's fundraising.
This year's fundraising Grevhagsskolan went well. In total, the children raised 25,852 Swedish kronor (SEK) children in Bangladesh. This is an increase from last year, which raised 20,970 SEK Ukraine.
I think you should help in any way you can; every little bit counts.
"I think you should help in whatever way you can; every little bit counts," says Rafaela, 12. It felt good to know that the money was going to children who are struggling.
Grevhagsskolan has long worked to increase students' understanding of how other children live, and the fundraiser is a way to put these values into practice. The children at Grevhagsskolan hope that more schools and children will start their own fundraisers to make a difference.
"Be brave and talk to your teacher or principal," Rafaela urges. It will lead to something good, and you will be helping other children.
Author: Lena Elf
Listening 