Svante starts his own fundraising campaigns for the children

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.

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.

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."

Author: Lena Elf