YOTF’s winter campaign takes over the heart of Stavanger.
This weekend, we brought our message of urgent humanitarian support to the streets of Stavanger. We stood in solidarity with children and families affected by the war in Ukraine. As part of our Winter Relief Campaign, we took to the Scene at the Market Square (Torget) — right by the Ilums and Spar entrance to Arkaden City Mall. Our aim was to engage the public, raise awareness, and collect funds through our Vipps campaign.
A campaign of awareness
The campaign, which ran across Saturday and Sunday, 8th and 9th of November, centered on a simple but critical message: winter kills when war takes everything else.
With temperatures in Ukraine dropping and millions still displaced due to war, our mission is to deliver thermal clothing as survival items. We aim to help children and families who are left without safe shelter or essentials. Our volunteers handed out flyers and spoke with the public. They created a visible, human connection between those in Stavanger and those suffering in crisis zones far beyond our borders.
A message from the street
“This weekend reminded us why presence matters. Even when donations are few, every conversation, every shared flyer, and every moment of connection helps build the awareness that leads to action. That’s how change begins.”
– Tom Danny Pedersen, CEO & Executive Project Manager, YOTF
Throughout the weekend, many passersby stopped to talk, learn more about the campaign, and ask how they could get involved. While direct donations remained modest, the deeper value lay in the human interactions — in listening, sharing, and planting seeds for future action.
VIPPS campaign with a long-term mission
Our Vipps campaign gained visibility, and several individuals expressed interest. This shows how important it is to organize local initiatives to help us reach new communities. These personal connections are critical to our long-term mission.
An opportunity with a united front
We’re also grateful to Stavanger Kommune for providing us with the opportunity to stand in a central, visible location. The public square by Arkaden City Mall was key. Their support enabled us to engage directly with the heart of the city.
A special thank-you also goes to our friends at The Front of Anti-Racism (Antirasistisk Front). They stood beside us on Sunday, contributed flyers, and helped amplify our voice on the ground.
This campaign was not only about raising funds. It was about reminding people that children in Ukraine are facing a winter without protection. We believe that together, we can respond — with awareness, solidarity, and action. We were also lucky to have friends and family present, even our little ones. They believe in the cause and raise awareness at a young age.
The work continues. And so do we.
This is only the beginning
What happened in Stavanger this weekend is part of something much bigger. With live campaigns now launching across Norway and internationally, YOTF is scaling its efforts to meet growing needs. This is not just in Ukraine, but also in Gaza, Sudan, parts of Africa, and among vulnerable groups here at home.
If you didn’t meet us this weekend but want to help, you can still join the campaign:
- Donate directly via Vipps: 27261
- Visit www.yotf.org to learn more or contribute online
- Share our mission on social media
- Volunteer or organize a local initiative in your area
- Read more about us here
Every donation is a step toward warmth. Every voice is a step toward change.
Let this weekend be a reminder: Even in the cold, people show up with heart. Together, we are building a future where children are not forgotten — where compassion rises in times of crisis.
Thank you, Stavanger. This is only the beginning.
