My name is Martin Sjögren, and I am based in Stockholm, Sweden.

I am raising funds to purchase fishing equipment that will be donated directly to Repower.ngo, a Ukrainian aid organization that supports the mental rehabilitation of military medics serving on the front lines.

There is well-established research showing that time spent in nature, moments of calm, and a focus on the present have a powerful effect on mental health. For many of us, fishing is more than a hobby—it’s a way to find quiet, grounding, and relief from stress.

For the past few years, through my work, I’ve been in contact with Repower.ngo. Our collaboration initially focused on delivering medical supplies to the front and hosting workshops in Sweden when medics rotated out for a brief period of rest. But after meeting these individuals and hearing their stories, I started wondering if there was another, more personal way I could help.

It became clear when I read the medics’ evaluations before they returned to the front:

they wanted to fish.

They wanted to do something familiar—something they did before the war, something that reminded them of a simpler time.

Together with members of my local fishing club, we gathered all the loaner gear we could find and arranged a fishing day for them. It may not have been spectacular in terms of catches, but it was a day full of laughter, joy, and moments of peace. Every time a pike was landed, cheers echoed across Marholmen. It was truly special.

Now, I want to make sure more medics receive the same opportunity for rest and recovery through fishing in the Swedish archipelago.

All donations will go directly toward purchasing fishing equipment, primarily complete, good-quality fishing sets.

Once purchased, all equipment will be handed over to Repower.ngo, who will use it as part of their mental health and rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian frontline medics.

Details for transparency:

• Organizer: Martin Sjögren

• Location: Stockholm, Sweden

• Beneficiary Organization: Repower.ngo

• Use of Funds: Purchase of fishing equipment (complete sets, rods, reels, tackle) to donate to Repower.ngo for use in mental rehabilitation activities

• Destination of Assistance: Sweden (fishing activities during rest periods), supporting medics returning from the Ukrainian front

Thank you for helping provide these frontline medics with moments of peace, recovery, and connection to nature. Your support truly makes a difference.