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
Svante Wendal is going to ski slalom and for every meter of altitude he manages, money is raised for children living on the streets in Uganda. In the past, Svante has raised over 20,000 Swedish kronor (SEK) for Erikshjälpen when he swam for children in Ukraine!
Svante will complete the challenge in Sälen on Tuesday of week 16. Several people have chosen to sponsor Svante's fundraising where they promise a certain amount for each meter of altitude that he manages to complete during Tuesday on the slopes. Svante's father Markus is helping him with the administrative side of things.
Svante Wendal from Bodafors raises money for children in Uganda through a slalom challenge. Photo: Markus Wendal
Svante Wendal from Bodafors raises money for children in Uganda through a slalom challenge. Photo: Markus Wendal
Svante wants to donate the money collected to Erikshjälpen's work for children living on the streets in Uganda. The work is to support children to get away from life on the street and be reunited with their families.
Svante's father Markus explains on Facebook how you can support Svante's fundraising by becoming a sponsor of the challenge. If you want to support Svante with a single sum, you can swish to 900 92 83 and mark your payment with "Svante".
Two years ago, Helena and Tessan walked 100 000 steps for the first time. They were convinced they wanted to do it again, and now it's time! On Friday, May 19, they will walk 100 000 steps in 24 hours. As part of the challenge, they have started their own fundraising for Erikshjälpen, raising money to support children's right to safety and protection.
The idea of starting their own fundraising for Erikshjälpen came from two friends, Helena and Tessan, who wanted to take on the challenge of walking 100,000 steps in 24 hours again after two years since they last did it.
-"We did it, and it's the hardest and most fun thing we've ever done! says Tessan.
After that walk, they knew they wanted to do it again on another occasion, combining business with pleasure and raising money for a good cause.
- I did some research and finally found Erikshjälpen, because it is the largest proportion that actually goes to the purpose you collect for and that we had the opportunity to create our own fundraising so we see how much we actually manage to get together, says Tessan.
Their fundraising will last throughout the walk, and will go towards our work for children's right to safety and protection.
Tessan and Helena are great examples of how to make a positive change in the world by combining a personal challenge with a meaningful cause. By walking 100,000 steps in just 24 hours, they have not only demonstrated what an individual can achieve, but they are also inspiring others to get involved in important issues.
Support Helena and Tessan's fundraising
Swisha "100 000 steps" to 9009283 to support Helena and Tessan's fundraising for children's right to safety and protection.
Do you want to start your own fundraising for Erikshjälpen?
If you feel inspired by Tessan and Helena's efforts and want to contribute to our work for children's rights, you can easily start your own fundraising for Erikshjälpen.
Every gift matters and can make a big difference in a child's life. Together, we can all do our part to create a better world for children.
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