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About H2H
Hand 2 Hand was founded in 2000 with one simple principle: all funds should go directly to those who need it. Over 25 years later, we still keep this promise.
Our story
H2H (Hand 2 Hand) was founded in September 2000, on the initiative of Tom Andreassen. From 1994 to 2000, Tom was employed by another Norwegian aid organization and worked with humanitarian aid full-time.
He worked for several years on projects in Romania and has visited the country numerous times since 1995. In addition, Tom has worked on aid projects in Albania, Ukraine, Tanzania, Sudan, and Kenya.
When he left this organization in 1999 and began working at a youth institution in Norway, he started H2H. Tom is a trained photographer but has countless courses and many years of experience in youth work and substance abuse rehabilitation.
H2H gradually gained more helpers and supporters in Norway. Several of these are educated and work in child welfare, schools, substance abuse care, etc. Together, they have extensive experience that benefits H2H in its projects.
25+
Years of volunteer aid work
Our values
These principles guide everything we do, and are the reason H2H was founded.
100% to the projects
No one receives salary or fees. All funds go directly to those who need it.
Openness and trust
We build trust through long-term presence and personal relationships with the people we support.
Voluntary effort
Everyone who works at H2H does so on a voluntary basis, driven by commitment.
Direct help
We know the people we help personally and ensure that help reaches them.
Our journey
1994–2000
The beginning
Tom Andreassen works with humanitarian aid in a Norwegian aid organization. Projects in Romania, Albania, Ukraine, Tanzania, Sudan, and Kenya.
2000
H2H is founded
Tom starts H2H (Hand 2 Hand) after seeing the need for an organization where 100% of funds go directly to the projects.
2000–2010
Growing in Romania
H2H builds strong relationships with orphanages and families in Romania. More volunteers and supporters join.
2010–2020
Expanded operations
Projects are expanded with treatment programs, English courses, and annual traditions like 'Letters to Santa'.
2022–now
Ukraine aid
H2H starts regular aid shipments to Ukraine and continues work in Romania. Photo group starts in Halden.