Saturday April 27 is celebrated St. Erik's Day at Erikshjälpen Second Hand. Ean opportunity to honor the memory of the founder Erik Nilsson, but also an important fundraising day for Erikshjälpens child rights work. By shopping in one of our stores on this day, you are helping to ensure that children have a safe childhood.
I Kenya Erikshjälpen operates Erikshjälpen through its partnerorganization Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS). ICS is a local non-profit organization that works to create awareness and raise public opinion on children's rights. ICS aims to empower children and their families for a safe everyday life both at home and at school.
In Kenya, violence is a common way to solve problems and children are at high risk ofof being abused in their daily lives. Susan Odiambo is 11 years old and in sixth grade at Kodiaga Prison Primary School i Kisumu. In the past, Susan has kept difficult experiences to herself. Talking to any adult has only made the situation worse and the culture of silence when it comes to violence against children is strong. But gith the ICS project Life Skills Susan and her parents have learnedt to talk to each other about difficult things. Susan can turn to her parents or her teacher if she has a problem.
- Adults are not aware that hitting children is forbidden in Kenya, says Lillian Onyango, program coordinator for LifeSkills-project in Kisumu. The use of violence as a method of parenting is common, both at school and at home. Our task is not only to inform guardians and teachers that they are committing a crime if they hit a child, but also to empower children and give them the tools to stand up for their rights.
Adults are not aware that it is illegal to hit children in Kenya.
The aim of Life Skills is to work with children, parents, teachers and authorities to ensure that children feel safe, improve social skills and increase motivation to study.
A safe life is the basis for being able to benefit from a good education and Erikshjälpen works in large parts of the world with children's right to a safe everyday life.
St. Erik's Day 2024
On this year's Eriksdag, the entire daily cash from Erikshjälpen Second Hand's stores will go to Erikshjälpen's interventions for children's safety and protection.
Help stop violence against children. By shopping in our stores on Saturday, April 27, you are helping to ensure that all children have a safe childhood.
Radiohjälpen has decided which projects will be awarded money from fundraising for Världens Barn 2023. Erikshjälpen takesr receive 12.5 million Swedish kronor (SEK) for interventions for children's right to education, health and safety.
The collection Children of the World started in 1997. Since then, the the organization collected over two billion Swedish kronor (SEK). In 2023 104.6 million Swedish kronor (SEK) were raised, resulting in the second highest fundraising result since the start.
Money for projects that strengthen children's rights
Radio Aid's fundraising for World's Childrenn, raised 104.6 million Swedish kronor (SEK) in 2023. Now 23 projects in 14 countries are being supported to strengthen children's rights. The projects that benefit from the support contribute to improving the situation of children in three focus areas: School, Health and Safety.
Children's right to education
In the area of children's right to education, seven projects will share a total of Swedish kronor (SEK) 45.3 million. Erikshjälpen's work in Mali is one of the projects that will receive funding. Also our projects with a focus on education in South Sudan have been granted funding from Världens Barn.
Queen Silvia's fundraising goes to Ukraine
In connection with Queen Silvia's 80th birthday, The Queen started a fundraising campaign thattogether with support from Radiohjälpen's disaster fund, resulted in 5.3 million Swedish kronor (SEK).these funds went to three projects in Ukraine with a focus on improving children's mental health. One of these projects is our intervention through partner organizationsn Womens Concortium of Ukraine.
This summer, Anette Alm Gustafsson will leave her position as Executive Director of Erikshjälpen Second Hand. Her successor will be Jerker Sandell, who most recently comes from a managerposition at IKEA..
Jerker started 2008 as an hourly employee in the restaurant at furniture giant and climbed over the years to his current position as chief financial officer of the IKEA Jönköping market area, which includes the county and the surrounding area.
Jerker Sandell is Erikshjälpen Second Hand's new Executive Director
Jerker Sandell is Erikshjälpen Second Hand's new Executive Director
- I have a passion for seeing both people and results grow, says Jerker. By being open to development I believe that we can achieve real growth in the business. Now I look forward to being a voice for creating real change. Making circular consumption a natural behaviorebehavior of more consumers.
The father of three Jerker lives in Habo, north of Jönköping. In his spare timeone much of his life revolves around family, friends and training, and for a few years now he spends he spends winter half-yeart leading the the boys' team i the local floorball cluba. Jerker slikes to spend time out in the woods and the countrysidein summer on the running track and in winter on the ski slopes. He is also also volunteered as treasurer in Habo Equmenia children and youth association.
Mattias Ingeson, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen and Chairman of Erikshjälpen Second Hand is very pleased with recruitment.
- Jerker is an experienced manager and leader with extensive experience in sales and development of store concepts. At the same time, he is deeply rooted in the values that support Erikshjälpen and will be able to handle the challenges of leading and developing an organization that is both non-profit and commercial. We look forward to welcoming Jerker into Erikshjälpen's management.
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.
Listening 