On April April 8, the County Governor of Jönköping Brittis Benzler and the Second Deputy Speaker of the Riksdag, Julia Kronlid, visited Erikshjälpen's head office in Huskvarna and Erikshjälpen Second Hand in Jönköping. The visit was part of a larger county tour organized by the County Administrative Board in Jönköping.
Anders Malmstigen, Brittis Benzler, Julia Kronlid, Birgitta Johansson and Mattias Ingeson
Anette Alm Gustavsson, Caroline Pehrs, Julia Kronlid and Brittis Benzler
Anders Malmstigen, Brittis Benzler, Julia Kronlid, Birgitta Johansson and Mattias Ingeson
Anette Alm Gustavsson, Caroline Pehrs, Julia Kronlid and Brittis Benzler
Headquarters in Huskvarna
The visit to the headquarters in Huskvarna began with Secretary-General Mattias Ingeson talking about the history of the organization and the work for children's rights in Sweden and the world. Julia Kronlid's wishes were among other things to know more about our work in Ukraine, and how it has been affected by the recession and other global crises. Anders Malmstigen, International Director and Birgitta Johansson, Head of Sweden gave an in-depth view of our interventions.
Erikshjälpen took up aid organizations' concerns about the government's new strategy for development cooperation with civil society, Civsamand Julia Kronlid promised to take the issue on board. She said said respect for the fact that Swedish civil society organizationsr have a lot of knowledge about how aid works best and hopes for continued good cooperation.
Tour of the second-hand shop
One of the Second Deputy Speaker's wishes for the day was to visit Erikshjälpen Second Hand. Managing Director Anette Alm Gustafsson and Store Manager Caroline Pehrs welcomed us to the Jönköping store. Both Brittis Benzler and Julia Kronlid showed great interest during the tour and were impressed both by how the store is structured and how Erikshjälpen Second Hand Hand works with social and environmental sustainability.
The day ended with dinner at the county residence in Jönköping.
During Postkodlotteriet's annual gala evening in Stockholm City Hall, Erikshjälpen received 15 million Swedish kronor (SEK) in support that will contribute to the work in 2024. In total, 61 organisations received 1.2 billion Swedish kronor (SEK).
- It is a confirmation that our work is important. The long-term support that we can distribute ourselves means an incredible amount," says Mattias Ingeson, Secretary General of Erikshjälpen.
It is a confirmation that our work is important.
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary General Erikshjälpen
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary General Erikshjälpen
Approximately one in five households in Sweden is a member of the Postkodlotteriet. Everyone who has a postcode lottery is involved and contributes to the surplus that is distributed to non-profit organisations that work with, among other things:
- children and young people
- animals and nature
- research and health
- democracy and society
- climate and environment
- sport and outdoor activities.
All organisations are different but have the same goal - to work together to make the world a better place for people, animals and nature.
Erikshjälpen has been a beneficiary of the Swedish Postcode Lottery since 2009 and has received a total of Swedish kronor (SEK) 207 million. In 2023, we were able to support projects in Uganda and Republic of Moldova to strengthen children's rights, give more children the opportunity to go back to school and train school staff to support children who have experienced trauma. In Sweden, we were able to start a new Future Workshop in Kristianstad, where new activities have been created for both children and parents. As the support from the Postcode Lottery is not earmarked, it is particularly valuable. We can use the money where we see the greatest need and build our activities for the long term.
- This is money that will make a big difference for many children. Erikshjälpen would like to thank Postkodlotteriet and all lottery ticket buyers who continue to support our work to give life to children's dreams, says Mattias Ingeson.
The postcode lottery
With over one million ticket buyers, Postkodlotteriet is Sweden's largest lottery, but also Sweden's largest private donor to the non-profit sector. Today, the lottery generates one billion Swedish kronor (SEK) a year for over 60 organisations working to make the world a better place. That's what the Postcode Effect is all about.
Sara Wimmercranz is not only a mother of four, she is also one of Sweden's most powerful businesswomen, fashioner and influencers. Now she has she been named Sweden's Second Hand Profile 2024 by Erikshjälpen Second Hand.
On March 6, TV4 Nyhetsmorgon revealed that Sara Wimmercranz has been named Sweden's Second Hand Profile 2024.
- "This award is a confirmation that second hand has really taken off. Style has nothing to do with new production, style is a personal expression, which should have as low emissions as possible, says Sara.
Sara Wimmercranz is one of Sweden's most powerful tech-investors. Many people recognize her from SVT's production Draknästet where she participates as one of the investors in the jury panel. Sustainability has always been important to Sara. For anyoneot years ago she chose she to completely stop buying newly produced fashion.
How Sara became Sweden's Second Hand Profile 2024
The Swedish Second Hand Profile award is presented by Erikshjälpen Second Hand every year. Sara Wimmercranz was one of three finalists nominated this year.
- "We are so happy to be able to give Sara this award. She takes a stand and really shows that second hand belongs in every room, from the living room to the boardroom, says Anette Alm Gustafsson, Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand.
In 2022, Sara made a New Year's resolution to only borrow, buy second-hand or traceable fashion. On her social media, she is now influencing more people to shop second hand.
- What at first felt like a limitation quickly became a creativity and freedom to choose my own unique style, and for the first time I became interested in fashion for real. Now I can't believe I listened to all the platitudes that both fast fashion and luxury brands try to fool us with. You can't become yourself through consumption, forget it!
You can't become yourself through consumption, forget it!
Erikshjälpen's motivation for the award
Sara Wimmercranz is the norm breaker who clearly shows that change needs to, and can, happen at all levels, and in all arenas. When she made a New Year's resolution in 2022 to only borrow, buy second-hand or traceable fashion, it was the start of a journey that has engaged and created ripples. Today, Sara Wimmercranz is not only a well-known investor and Sweden's most powerful businesswoman, but also, to her great surprise, a fashion profile and influencer. With a mix of humor and seriousness, she reaches out through the noise and inspires many to turn around their unsustainable buying habits. Sara shows in a simple and relatable way the added value of changing and that second hand is for everyone, regardless of wallet, social status or style. Sara brings sustainability into the mainstream and out to the masses as she breaks norms in circles where second-hand has previously been taboo. With great credibility and authenticity, she has become a given voice in the debate on sustainable consumption and a worthy winner of the Sweden’s Second Hand Profile 2024 award.
Money to help children in climate-affected areas
As the winner of Sweden's Second Hand Profile 2024, Sara will have the opportunity to award one of Erikshjälpen's projects for children's rights 25,000 Swedish kronor (SEK). Sara Wimmercranz has chosen to donate the 25,000 kronor to Erikshjälpen's interventions to help children in countries affected by climate change.
- Erikshjälpen has several very important projects in areas affected by drought and flooding due to climate change. "Climate and the environment is truly the issue of our time and I hope to inspire more people to get involved. Not least politicians, as legislation is crucial in this work," says Sara Wimmercranz.
About the Second Hand Profile of the Year award
Every year, Erikshjälpen Second Hand awards the Swedish Second Hand Profile to someone who, through their commitment, contributes to an increased interest in second hand and its possibilities. It can be about innovative ideas, creative solutions or smart environmental work through reuse.
The recipient of the Sweden's Second Hand Profile award receives a diploma and a statuette, as well as the right to award one of Erikshjälpen's projects for children's rights equivalent to 25,000 Swedish kronor (SEK).
In January, the Ugandan government hosted an international summit. In an attempt to make the capital Kampala more attractive for the summit, the ruling politicians chose to remove over 700 children living on the streets of the city center. The children were sent to the Masulita Children's Village where a difficult situation has now been created.
Summit in Kampala, Uganda
Leaders from over 120 countries were invited to an international summit in the Ugandan capital Kampala in January. Ahead of the summit, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) launched an operation to keep children off the streets. Over 700 children and youth were removed from the center of Kampala. The children were taken to the Women's Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) facilities in Masulita.
The children of Masulita
As a result of the government's actions, the influx of children into Masulita has become difficult to manage. There is an urgent need to ensure the basic needs of the children, such as food, medical care and psychosocial support.
Erikshjälpen's partner organization in Uganda
Erikshjälpen has started a short-term humanitarian operation together with our partner organization in Uganda, Dwelling Places. At the same time, we are looking at the possibilities for a long-term solution. The humanitarian intervention will provide direct assistance and protection to the total of 711 children currently living in the UWESCO Masulitas center.
This is done by:
- Ensure that children get enough nutritious food
- Distribute medical supplies and ensure access to specialist care if needed
- Offer all children individualized psychological trauma-informed care
- Improving sanitation conditions in Masulita, through toiletries and cleaning products
- Provide learning materials for children.
Erikshjälpen is now doing its utmost to help our partner in Uganda to ensure that the humanitarian needs of these children are met.
Dwelling Places
Dwelling Places is part of the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network and the Children at Risk Action Network. In addition to the direct work of helping children living on the streets, the organization is involved in advocacy work at the national level. Erikshjälpen has an ongoing effort with Dwelling Places in particularly vulnerable areas such as Nepak and Kampala.
On March 2, Erikshjälpen Second Hand opens the doors for the pop-up shop at Asecs in Jönköping. The store focuses on clothes and accessories, with elements of goods for home and household. The name of the store is secondhand.se by Erikshjälpen.
In 1990, Erikshjälpen Second Hand's first stores were opened. The shops were started to raise money for the social and humanitarian efforts of the Erikshjälpen Foundation. Today, there are 52 stores around Sweden, all of which contribute to Erikshjälpen's work. Now Erikshjälpen Second Hand takes another step and opens a pop-up store.
It is with open arms that we welcome Erikshjälpen and all the good they stand for and do.
Johanna Donker works as a center manager at Asecs in Jönköping and she describes that their visitors have long requested second hand at the shopping center.
- We have continuous contact with our visitors and listen to their wishes, and many have longed for second hand at Asecs. It is with open arms that we welcome Erikshjälpen and all the good they stand for and do.
The store at Asecs is the first of its kind, and Erikshjälpen Second Hand hopes to make similar investments in other locations.
- "We are so excited about this opportunity. By establishing ourselves in a well-attended shopping center like Asecs, we hope to inspire even more people to shop circularly," says Annette Alm Gustafsson, Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand.
We hope to inspire even more people to shop circularly.
Store information
secondhand.se by Erikshjälpen can be found at the Asecs shopping center in Jönköping. The store is located next to Åhléns, near entrance A, and has a carefully selected range of clothing and accessories with elements of goods for home and household.
Opening hours: secondhand.se by Erikshjälpen
February 24 marks two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Two years of war, fear and human suffering. From day one, Erikshjälpen has been on the side of the children and together with local partner organisations we have been able to help Ukrainian children and families. But the need for humanitarian and psychosocial support is still great.
Early in the morning of 24 February 2022, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine. Ukrainian children and families have endured 730 days of war. 730 days of fear, air raids and trauma. When Ukraine was invaded, Erikshjälpen was there early on to support children and families, both those who fled and those who remained in the country. Through local partner organisations , immediate help was provided with a special focus on the situation of children. In the early days of the war, assistance focused on providing people with supplies and cash, and helping with information and registration at borders. Today, the need for support and interventions remains high.
UNHCR estimates that over 14 million people are in urgent need of Humanitarian Assistance. Most are women and children.
Give a gift to children and families in Ukraine
Your gift will help ensure that war-affected children in Ukraine receive the help they need to feel safe.
Give a gift to the children of Ukraine
Over time, the need for psychosocial support has increased. Since the beginning of the war, Erikshjälpen has supported the local partner Women's Consortium of Ukraine (WCU), which offers counseling and image therapy. WCU also has a support line that children and adults can call. The psychologists who work with the support line testify to how the calls were initially about getting practical help. Now the calls are more about finding joy in life in the midst of a burning war. Children as young as 11 call in worried about losing a family member or friend. Psychologist Tetiana Grigorieva, who works with the support line, explains:
- The children who call us have often lost a close relative and we can support them in the grieving process. The calls help the children express their feelings and deal with the immense pain of losing a relative. Especially if it was someone who was very close to them and meant everything to them.
Children who call us have often lost a loved one.
The situation in Ukraine is serious. Erikshjälpen is present where the need is greatest and together with our local partner organization, our work continues.
Read more about Erikshjälpen's work in Ukraine
Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad has been awarded the prize for Child Rights Project of the Year 2024 by the company JP Infonet. Erikshjälpen received the newly established award on February 7, 2024 during the Children's Convention Day conference.
During the 2024 edition of the Children's Convention Day conference, the information and knowledge company JP Infonet awarded the Children's Rights Project of the Year prize for the first time. With this award, the company wants to recognize a project that has contributed with particular value and development in the proactive work for children's rights. Children's Ombudsman Elisabeth Dahlin presented the diploma with a prize of SEK 25,000.
- We have chosen to give the award to Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad for their rights-based and long-term work with child participation. The project has produced good results that we think are well worth spreading further, says Helena Reinius, project manager at JP Infonet.
We have chosen to give the award to Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad for their rights-based and long-term work with child participation.
Håkan Giselsson and Birgitta Johansson
Håkan Giselsson works as a unit manager at Erikshjälpen Framtidsverkstad, tells how it was to receive the award.
- The award is a fantastic recognition of our staff at the local Future Workshops. Together with children and parents, they are driving real change and helping to create hope and confidence in the future.
Birgitta Johansson is the head of Erikshjälpen's Sweden department and she was also there to receive the award.
- We are so proud and happy about this award, which means a lot to make our business visible.
Jury's motivation
Erikshjälpen works in a rights-based and long-term manner with child participation as a starting point. Future workshops have produced strong results, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Evaluations of the Future Workshops highlight that participants have increased hope and faith in the future, and not least a feeling of being able to influence and make their voice heard. The Future Workshops are well worth scaling up and spreading around our country.
On February 1, 2024 Mattias Ingeson took office as Secretary General of Erikshjälpen. In a time of conflict and economic turmoil, he wants to create a stronger image of what the organization does in Sweden and the world.
-"Sometimes you get the feeling that the good forces only investigate, research and talk while those who cause chaos in the world get things done," says Mattias Ingeson. Erikshjälpen wants to influence and spread knowledge about children's rights but at the same time be a "doer", working every day to make a real difference in people's lives.
A common thread in Mattias Ingeson's career is his commitment to society. His law studies were never motivated by the dream of big law firms, but by commitment and a desire to help others.
Mattias has a background in Erikshjälpen
When Erikshjälpen was looking for a new international director in 2007, Mattias didn't know much about the organization, other than that it was the only one of its kind in the region working with international child rights.
He came into contact with Erikshjälpen at just the right time. The organization wanted to scale up its Sida cooperation and was looking for someone with experience in organizational strategy.
Mattias was given the job of international director, but his position was changed at the very first management meeting. A new Secretary-General was to be appointed and with his skills and experience, it was natural for Mattias to become the boss's right-hand man.
Mattias' first time at Erikshjälpen lasted 12 years, then it was time for new challenges. As regional manager at Bilda, he was given the opportunity to be the sole leader and take the main responsibility. But after five years at Bilda, the offer came that felt so obvious to say yes to.
-I have never really let go of Erikshjälpen. It's been five years since the last time, which is long enough to come back with renewed vigor, but short enough for me to know what I'm coming back to.
Inherited her social commitment from her mother
Mattias Ingeson has always been interested in the identity of an organization. How Erikshjälpen has been formed and become what it is. The story of the founder Erik appeals to him, and he recognizes the drive and social commitment in his own life. Not least from his childhood with a mother who always stood by the children.
-"I definitely got a lot of my commitment from her," says Mattias. "In my new role, I can contribute with my social commitment and my drive in children's rights issues.
Men are bad at second-hand shopping
Living climate friendly
Mattias' commitment is not just about children's rights. Recycling is also important to him and there is more than one garment from Erikshjälpen Second Hand hanging in the closet in Russnäs.
"I want to live in a climate-friendly way, but it's also about the search, the treasure hunt. In general, men are not good at second-hand shopping and I'm happy to lead the way. I wear something second-hand every day, whether for work or leisure.
A varied life
Mattias Ingeson is originally from Linköping, but for the past 20 years the family has lived in his wife Karin's home area, Russnäs outside Eksjö. Life in the countryside and in a small context suits him, but equally important is to be where the action is.
-I like to have a fixed point in my life that is quiet and restful, but I still like to live in the heat of the moment.
Spring is almost here, with its light and hopefulness. But much about the future looks anything but bright. Mattias Ingeson is taking over as leader of Erikshjälpen at a difficult time, and he is aware of this.
-"I'm not intimidated, but instead motivated by finding ways forward," says Mattias. There is a kind of problem-solving spirit within Erikshjälpen that I have great faith in and look forward to being a part of.
Facts about Erikshjälpen's new Secretary-General
Name: Mattias Ingeson
Born: March 8, 1974
Lives: Russnäs in Eksjö municipality
Family: Wife Karin and children Axel, 19, Gustav, 17 and Märta, 14.
Interests: Outdoor life, sports and athletics, has been a football coach for many years.
Favorite food: Lasagna
Listening Ulla Nilsson, Erikshjälpen's founder Erik Nilsson's widow and driving force in Erikshjälpen's work, has passed away at the age of 91.
Just before the Christmas holidays, the news came that Ulla Nilsson has passed away. Ulla was 91 years old and was involved in Erikshjälpens activities to the very end. Ulla met Erik Nilsson, the founder of Erikshjälpen, in the late 1950s and they found each other even though the geographical distance between them was long. They started exchanging letters, met at a train station and became a couple - against all odds.
Ulla and Erik married in 1958. By then, Erik had already started work on what would later become Erikshjälpen. Erik suffered from an incurable hemophilia and when he was hospitalized for long periods, Ulla kept the work going. She is the founder of the successful "Systerns låda", which brought joy to generations of sick children in Sweden, and when Erik passed away in 1966, it was Ulla who ensured that the work could continue.
Ulla and Erik Nilsson's wedding photo in 1958.
Ulla and Erik Nilsson's wedding photo in 1958.
Ulla was cautious and withdrawn, but also determined and realistic with a wonderful sense of humor and generosity. She was always interested in Erikshjälpen's work and always concerned that every krona that came in would be used correctly. Her presence and deep friendship with both staff and donors has over the years given security and stability to Erikshjälpen.
As natural as it is for a 91-year-old to leave this earthly life, it is equally sad that she is no longer around. While there is a tremendous sadness and loss, there is also a tremendous gratitude for all the good that Ulla accomplished during her time here on earth. All thoughts are with Ulla and Erik's beloved children and their respective families.
Honoring Ulla's life's work
Here you have the opportunity to honor Ulla's life's work with a gift.
Honor Ulla Nilsson's life's work with a gift
Erikshjälpen was present during Musikhjälpen 2023 in Växjö, where Anne Wachira was one of the guests in the glass cage at Kärlekens torg. On this year's theme, no one should have to die of hunger, Anne talked about Erikshjälpen's work in northeastern Kenya.
People are already living on the margins and now the drought has escalated the situation.
Food is a human right, but despite this, millions of people around the world die every day as a result of malnutrition. Erikshjälpen has been working with the food shortage in Marsabit for many years in various projects, including together with the local organization "Food for the Hungry". The efforts include both countering acute malnutrition but also creating better resilience to the increasingly frequent droughts.
- Marsabit and surrounding regions have always been affected by drought, but in recent times there has been no chance of recovery between droughts, pushing the area into acute food shortages. "Nearly a fifth of children in Marsabit are at risk of dying from malnutrition," says Anne Wachira.
Almost a fifth of children are at risk of dying from malnutrition.
Anne Wachira.
Anne Wachira.
Anne Wachira brought a thermos filled with a Kenyan gruel for presenters Linnea Wikblad and Sofia Dalén to taste. A common meal in Kenya, but unfortunately something that most families in Marsabit cannot afford.
When asked how Erikshjälpen is working specifically to counteract the effects of the drought and food shortages in Marsabit, Anne said that both emergency humanitarian aid and more long-term work are taking place.
- In addition to providing the most urgent aid in the form of food and water, we are also working to create a more stable food supply for families by having more sources of income than livestock farming and supporting them in growing things that can withstand drought better, more climate-adapted, said Anne Wachira.
Watch Erikshjälpen's participation in the glass cage via the link: Musikhjälpen - Tuesday, December 12, SVT Play.
