Frequently asked questions and transparency (FAQ)
Finances and fundraising
Where does the money that is raised go?
All donations go, in full, to UNICEF and their emergency humanitarian work for the children of Gaza. The "Sunflowers for Gaza's Children" project does not receive any money privately, and no administrative fees are deducted by us.
Will I get a receipt for my donation?
Yes. Since you give your donation directly through UNICEF's official fundraising platform, you receive a confirmation email and receipt directly from UNICEF.
How do I know my contribution makes a difference?
Your money goes, in full, to UNICEF's work on the ground in Gaza. UNICEF works around the clock to deliver life-saving aid such as clean water, medical equipment, nutritional supplements, and trauma support to affected children and families.
Do you sell any physical sunflowers, or can I visit the field?
No, there is no physical field to visit and we don't sell physical flowers. The project is entirely digital. As a thank-you for your donation, you can download a beautiful illustration and share it on your social channels.
About the initiative and the organization
Is Sunflowers for Gaza's Children part of UNICEF or a registered association?
No, the project is an independent, non-profit, personal civic-courage initiative started by Katrin Åkerlund together with family and close friends in Ockelbo. The project does not handle any money or bank accounts of its own, but works with UNICEF by using their official fundraising tools.
Is this affiliated with any political party or religious organization?
No. The initiative is entirely non-partisan and non-religious. It rests on a single, fundamental principle: every child has the right to life, safety, and the same inviolable worth.
What was the sunflower field in Ockelbo?
The sunflower field in Ockelbo was the project's starting point. The idea was to create a physical memorial site with 20,000 sunflowers. One flower for every lost child. When drought destroyed the field and local authorities put a stop to the initiative, we moved the entire field online.
Facts and information
Why are there reports and literature to read on the website?
One of the project's three goals is public education. In a time of strong polarization, we want to offer a place for verified knowledge and legally substantiated reviews (from, among others, the UN, Amnesty and Human Rights Watch) so that you as a visitor can dig deeper yourself.
Where does the figure of 20,000 killed children come from?
The figure is based on documented reports from independent actors, including UN bodies and international aid organizations. Both Save the Children and the UN's humanitarian body (UN OCHA) have published reports confirming that over 20,000 children have been killed since the escalation of the conflict in Gaza. The 20,000 sunflowers serve as a visual manifestation to make this scale visible and to remember the innocent lives that have been lost.
How can I help besides donating money?
You can make a big difference by spreading the word! Download our digital sunflower image on the website or Instagram, share it on your social media, and tell others about the fundraiser. You can also use our platform to deepen your knowledge through verified UN reports and independent reviews.