Source: Government of Sweden
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Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is presenting the Government’s new award for Swedish volunteer projects in support of Ukraine. The 2025 recipients are Tilde Addenbrooke and Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG).
“Support to Ukraine is more crucial than ever, and the whole of Sweden is behind it. Swedish central government support continues to increase and many forces in our society are carrying out fantastic voluntary initiatives. This award is a way for the Government to showcase and encourage non-governmental engagement. I’d like to thank all the individuals and organisations that were candidates and praise your tireless efforts in support of Ukraine. You’re making a real difference in Ukraine and inspiring others in Sweden to do the same. This award is going to two very well-deserving recipients among so many strong candidates,” says Mr Dousa.
Ms Addenbrooke is receiving the award in the individual category for her exceptional and brave initiatives in Ukraine, where she coordinates humanitarian assistance to areas that are particularly hard-hit by the war. She demonstrates creativity, drive and deep engagement for the people of Ukraine. Through her presence in war-torn Ukraine since 2022, she has developed a unique understanding of the needs on the ground and built up effective structures and solutions under exceptionally difficult conditions. Ms Addenbrooke intends to use the prize money to continue and further develop her civilian relief efforts.
“Her life-saving initiatives and bravery to act in high-risk environments, ability to think innovatively and will to create long-term change make her a role model for humanitarian workers,” says Mr Dousa.
HUG is receiving the award in the organisation category for its extensive and multifaceted operations that combine urgent humanitarian assistance with support to long-term recovery in Ukraine. Since 2022, the organisation has delivered humanitarian support worth more than SEK 140 million. Its efforts are characterised by drive and compassion. By providing more than 100 emergency vehicles, medical equipment to 26 hospitals and hygiene products to children’s hospitals, HUG has helped strengthen Ukraine’s health care system, which is under extreme pressure. At the same time, the organisation has developed trauma-informed summer camps for children and a pilot programme for rehabilitation of war veterans. These initiatives demonstrate a holistic approach to both physical and mental rehabilitation. HUG intends to use the prize money to expand its rehabilitation initiatives for veterans.
“HUG sets itself apart through its creativity, inclusive ways of working, strong local establishment in Ukraine and its broad network of cooperation partners and donors in Sweden. The organisation has shown that it is possible to combine rapid response with sustainable long-term results,” says Mr Dousa.
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The Government’s award for Swedish volunteer projects in support of Ukraine
The Ukraine award was established in 2025 and is presented annually in two categories – to an organisation and to an individual or group of individuals who have voluntarily carried out particularly crucial civilian initiatives in support of Ukraine and demonstrated drive, compassion, bravery and perseverance.
The Government has tasked the Swedish Institute with administering the award. In May and June 2025, an announcement was published with an open application procedure for the first round of the award. The applications and nominations were assessed according to the criteria indicated in the announcement by both the Swedish Institute and an advisory jury group comprising Ukrainian and Swedish representatives.
Decisions on the recipients were made by Mr Dousa with the Government’s authorisation.
The award comes with prize money from the Swedish Institute for the recipients’ continued civilian initiatives in support of Ukraine.