Our Way 1
VINJETT SAFETY & SECURITY TEXT PHILIP STOCKENHED
PHOTO SWEDISH CARAVAN WHEELS FOR UKRAINE: DELIVERING SUPPORT WHERE IT’S NEEDED MOST As the war in Ukraine continues, aid convoys are becoming lifelines. Soya Group is supporting one such effort — Caravan to Ukraine — by donating vehicles and contributing security expertise. It’s a hands-on commitment to solidarity in action. A s the war in Ukraine continues, the country’s defensive forces are holding their ground but require equipment, supplies, and vehicles to maintain essential services. This need became evident to Finnish journalist Magnus Londen when he visited Ukraine in 2022. Among the most urgently needed items are off-road vehicles, ambulances, medical supplies, ATVs, and mobile power stations. In early 2023, Londen made his first trip to deliver an off-road vehicle and several power generators. THIS MARKED THE beginning of Caravan to Ukraine, an initiative that has since organized multiple aid convoys between Finland and Ukraine. Since then, the initiative has grown, and a Swedish caravan now joins the Finnish one in Poland before crossing the border into Ukraine together. Per Ottosson, initiator of the Swedish caravan, explains why the support is crucial. “One big challenge is getting the supplies into Ukraine. Passing the Polish border and customs is BY DELIVERING DIRECTLY TO LVIV OR KYIV, WE CAN SPEED UP THE PROCESS BY SEVERAL DAYS. difficult and time-consuming, especially for nonEU citizens like Ukrainians. By delivering directly to Lviv or Kyiv, we can speed up the process by several days.” Their deliveries are handed over to the Ukrainian grassroots organization Initiative E+, which has been distributing vehicles, equipment, and supplies to the front lines in eastern Ukraine since 2014. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY HAS always been a guiding principle for Soya Group. That’s why Soya Group chose to support this cause by donating several vehicles—with help from Autorola AB—and is planning further contributions. In addition, Soya Group’s security department has provided medical training for caravan participants and conducted thorough risk assessments before and during the donation trips. “Aside from the material support, the presence Per Ottosson Initiator Swedish Caravan to Ukraine of Soya Group staff and other donors travelling with the caravan strengthens the sense of solidarity among the people receiving the aid. They are not just donating, they are actively contributing,” Per concludes. CARAVAN TO UKRAINE Since the start the organization has raised over €1.9 million and delivered, among other things: • 91 four-wheel-drive pickups and vans • 10 fully equipped ambulances • 302 generators and mobile power stations Everyone involved works on a volunteer basis, with no administrative overhead. Further reading: karavanen.org 12 OUR WAY 1/2025