Fundraiser: Broken Dreams – A Light Of Hope

Fundraising Campaign: Broken Dreams – A Light Of Hope

Two hundred years ago, our ancestors set sail on the Restauration in search of a better life. Today, we commemorate this history as emigrants with a fundraising campaign for children affected by conflict – a collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages.

This isn’t not just about “others” – it’s been about us too.

In 1825, our ancestors boarded the Restauration and set sail toward a new horizon, driven by the hope for a better life on the other side of the ocean. Now, 200 years later, we commemorate our history as emigrants with a fundraising campaign for children affected by conflict.

Migration is not new – humans have always sought safety and new opportunities. Immigration and emigration are two sides of the same coin, and the similarities between past and present migrants remind us of our shared humanity.

“You must not endure so well the injustice that does not affect you yourself!”                  

In collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages (SOS-barnebyer), we launched the campaign Broken Dreams – A Light Of Hope during the voyage with the Restauration. The goal is to give children a glimmer of hope – like a lighthouse guiding the way. A safe childhood lays the foundation for a life on the right course, and children are the key to building the societies of tomorrow.

The fundraising campaign started on July 4th and concluded in November 2025.

More info:
- Broken Dreams - A Light Of Hope.
- And on the Norwegian donation solution: Spleis - Broken dreams - A Light Of Hope.

We also had an auction featured the one and only signed photograph of the Restauration, which was on board throughout the entire voyage.
Read more in SOS Children's Villages' newsletter, August 2025.

‍SOS Children’s Villages (SOS-barnebyer in Norway), an international humanitarian organization, works to provide care and protection for children.

The cyclists Sr. Bikers (Senior cyclists) biked across the U.S. in the fall of 2025, raising funds for Broken Dreams – A Light of Hope.
Check out photos and stories on the Sr. Bikers Facebook page.
‍

Arrived in New York City with money in the cargo

Read the news on SOS Children's Villages' website, published on October 9th, 2025: Arrived in New York City with money in the cargo - SOS-barnebyer.
That then brought the total amount collected to NOK 765,000 / 76 500 USD.

The fundraising continued afterward as well. And on November 18, at the presentation of the donation to SOS Children’s Villages at the event in Stavanger in Norway, where Liv Ullmann was also present,
the final total reached NOK 1,002,025 — over one million kroner! / 100 000 USD!

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU to everyone who's contributed and been part of this!
‍

A Tribute to the Past - and an Inspiration for thee Future

Liv Ullmann, our High Patron for the Restauration Crossing 200 voyage, lends her voice and inspiration.
Read the interview about Liv Ullmann’s deep commitment to children forced to fleee — and the fundraising campaign connected to the historic Restauration voyage.

‍

Join us!

Your support gave hope for a better future to the children who need it most.
And your gift made a real difference — check out the fundraiser for Broken Dreams - A Light Of Hope, on Spleis _{(Norwegian fundraising tool/app).}