Now we're calling companies to participate - is your company ready to take the wheel? See contact details below!
Victor Hartwall serves as Chairman of the family’s investment company K. Hartwall Invest board and plays an active role across its portfolio companies. His family’s ties to Ukraine reach back to the early 1990s, when his father Erik Hartwall, together with his cousin Henrik Therman, took the initiative to establish businesses there shortly after the Soviet Union’s collapse.
In 2005, Victor launched a hotel project in downtown Lviv - transforming a ruin on a stunning site into the Leopolis Hotel, now boasting over 70 rooms, a restaurant, and conference facilities. After a comprehensive renovation, Leopolis kindly hosts also the Caravan to Ukraine volunteers, who arrive after their 1,500 km journey in support convoys.
Victor has travelled to Ukraine countless times and brings deep first-hand insight into a nation now under Russian attack. His family once ran a cutting-edge winery in Crimea, which they were forced to sell after Russia’s 2014 invasion made operations untenable. Today, Victor and two other Finnish families, together with Scottish partners, are channelling investments into Ukraine’s agricultural sector.
“When war broke out, our first priority was the safety of our local staff. We also sheltered refugees from the east. After the initial shock, we agreed that it was vital to keep daily life moving forward. Stability and continuity matter, even in the hardest times.”
Inspired by Caravan to Ukraine’s work, Victor and his son Axel raised funds to purchase and drive a donated vehicle to Ukraine in spring 2024. “The entire trip was very well organized, and the meeting between fellow volunteers and the local partners Initiative E+ team over dinner was deeply moving and unforgettable,” he recalls. Victor’s firsthand experiences with Caravan to Ukraine solidified his confidence in their mission and local partners. “Of course, I did my due diligence before committing - trust is paramount to me.”
“Ukraine stands as Europe’s gateway between east and west. Once peace returns, investor interest will surge. But I believe the time to act is now – building relationships is a long-term endeavour.”
- Victor Hartwall
A call to fellow entrepreneurs
Beyond business, Victor aims to spark corporate interest in Ukraine’s future. Together with partners, he has funded one playground for Lviv’s children and one for the Kiev children under the “Joy of Play” initiative - a project perfectly aligned with his family’s commitment to support the communities where they operate, bringing joy and a sense of meaning to people’s lives.
“Ukraine stands as Europe’s gateway between east and west. Once peace returns, investor interest will surge. But I believe the time to act is now - building relationships is a long-term endeavour. Over the years I’ve met incredible people there. Openness, honesty, and trust guide all my partnerships. In Ukraine, as everywhere, I collaborate with people who share these values.”
Will your company take the wheel?
Now, a special Caravan to Ukraine campaign is on, rallying businesses. This is your company’s chance to make a concrete impact. Ukraine’s defenders are waiting - and so is the opportunity to show what responsible business leadership truly looks like.
You can participate in a very concrete way - even drive the Caravan to Ukraine with us and hand the equipment and supplies over to our trusted local partners at E+ personally, if you want. Donate a lump sum, engage your staff in events/campaigns, or create a fundraiser, we will help you along the way - also with communications, if you so wish. All donations will be turned into vital equipment, personally delivered direct to Ukraine with zero admin cost - and only equipment Ukraine is asking for.
Get in touch with Jan or Markus if you're based in Finland, or with Per if you're in Sweden. We're happy to hear from you – come join the Caravan!
Contact us in Finland:
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Jan Willamo:
jan.willamo@gmail.com
tel. +358 40 769 8205
Markus Mustelin:
markus.mustelin@outlook.com
tel. +358 40 517 5037
Contact us in Sweden:
Per Ottosson:
per.ottosson@nosy.se
tel. +46 708 526600
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Caravan to Ukraine in brief
What does real, hands-on help look like?
For Caravan to Ukraine, it means turning over €2.2 million in donations so far into life-saving aid:
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4WD transport vehicles (pickups, vans)
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Ambulances
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ATVs
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Hospital beds & first aid equipment
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Backup power units, and more, only supplies Ukraine is directly asking for
OUR PROMISE
We account for every cent you donate.
We have zero administrative costs.
We deliver the help ourselves.