Icebug and Hej främling
Icebug and Hej främling
A Partnership for Inclusion and Health
Outdoor activities and spending time in nature aren’t just enjoyable and beneficial for health – they’re also a way for people to come together, build community, and foster a sense of belonging. At Icebug, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience this, regardless of their background. Together with the organization Hej främling, we want to help make outdoor activities more inclusive for all.
What is Hej främling?
Hej främling is a nonprofit organization that promotes social inclusion and health by offering open, free activities for everyone. Through physical activities, outdoor events, and cultural gatherings, Hej främling helps people break social isolation, make new connections, and find a sense of belonging. The organization primarily focuses on newcomers and those who may feel excluded from society’s networks, but everyone is welcome to join.
Our Growing Partnership
Icebug’s partnership with Hej främling has been ongoing for several years, gradually expanding over time. Initially, we simply donated shoes to support their activities. Samira Musa, now Deputy Director at Hej främling, recalls a moment when they received 300 pairs of studded shoes:
“The participants were overjoyed. Many were afraid to go outside when it was slippery, but Icebug’s studded shoes arrived just as winter hit and changed everything. One participant, Mahdia, who used to be scared to go out due to the ice, finally felt safe moving around outside.”
Icebug’s founder, David Ekelund, has been a driving force behind this initiative:
"I grew up in Angered and went to school in Hjällbo. Back then, there were no so-called marginalized areas. Funding Hej främling’s expansion in Gothenburg is our way of trying to rebuild connections in places where they’re currently missing and helping to bring our city together.”
Through our shared commitment, we’re able to reach more people in the region, offering activities like hiking, running, and other outdoor experiences – all to create a sense of belonging and contribute to better health.
Activities and Future Goals
Our joint efforts in Västra Götaland have already started to bear fruit with activities such as senior walks in Jonsered, Parents & Kids discos in Biskopsgården, and “Inlöparna” in Hammarkullen, a running group that recently launched to bring local running enthusiasts together.
We look forward to continuing to develop our partnership, and in the long term, we hope that even more people in the Gothenburg area will be able to experience the positive effects of movement and community. We also believe that this collaboration will lead to new ideas on how businesses and civil society can work together to create a better, more sustainable future for all.
Want to know more about Hej främling or join their activities? Visit hejframling.se.
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