White Bus for Better Futures™ Programs
Character Building Learning Experiences
Our programs are inspired by educational programs and exhibits at
Red Cross Oslo, Norway, Malmo Museum, Sweden and The National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen.
White Bus Rescue Action
- presentation
“How a Jar of Potato Salad led to the rescue of 15,500 Holocaust victims”
Workshop for
students of all ages
Character-building learning experience promoting social, intercultural and civic competencies.
Wanda Hjort-Heger
- an ordinary hero
Interview with Wanda who created a life-changing outcome for thousands of humans in need.
Ravensbrück
We who lived there
Sheds light on the personal experiences of then recently liberated Holocaust survivors.
Community Partnership
Wilson G. Bradshaw Library, Florida Gulf Coast University
Archives and Special Collections & Center for Holocaust and Genocide Research
Projects we have contributed to:
Florida Gulf Coast University’s
Wilson G. Bradshaw Library presents:
To Life: The Liberation of Ravensbrück
Lund University Library's Witnessing genocide:
A unique collection of source material from the survivors of Ravensbrück and other Nazi concentration camps
Ordinary Heroes. Compassion as driving force
Wanda Hjort Heger
Her compassionate actions of delivering jars of potato salad to hungry prisoners resulted in a list of names. The list became the roadmap that led to the rescue of thousands from multiple Concentration camps.
Folke Bernadotte
Using his diplomacy skills and as the Vice President of the Swedish Red Cross he negotiated with Heinrich Himmler. Together with the list of names from Wanda he organized the White Bus Rescue Action.
Sven Allard & Karl Karlsson
They volunteered for a humanitarian mission as drivers. Sven and Karl met the victims with a smile and a friendly face and treated them as human beings. A difference is made when people take action.
Zygmunt Lakocinski
A lecturer at Lund University, he had the insight to record the survivor’s stories upon arrival to Sweden.The interviews shed light on the personal experiences and the human dimensions of life in the Concentration camps.
Your donation is highly appreciated
Impact
Your donation to Better Futures Foundation is highly appreciated.
For greater impact, we use your gift where it can do the most good by pooling it with the gifts of others.
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We are Better Futures Foundation
Richard Ohlsson
President & Creator
Creator of the White Bus for Better Futures™ Programs
Ever since I was introduced to the White Bus Rescue Action, which took place in the spring of 1945, I have seen the positive impact on people from all walks of life affected by the White Buses - both in the past and the present.
My goal with Better Futures is to bring the symbol of the White Buses to students of all ages in the United States. To engage and inspire how we can all be Ordinary Heroes and make an extraordinary difference.
I just know it will greatly improve our planet for generations to come!
Magnus Gertten
Honorary Board Member
Martin Lakocinski
Board Member
“I first met Richard Ohlsson in Lund in 2016, at which time he introduced me to the Better Futures Foundation. I was impressed by the inspiration that had motivated him and Bibi to engage so completely in this project.
Also, the connection to the White Buses is something I strongly identify with, primarily through the activities of my late father during and after WW II. I am honored to receive an invitation to join the Board of the Foundation and hope to be able to contribute to the aspirations of this worthy cause.”
Roger Ritvo
Board Member
"Joining the Better Futures Foundation provides a unique opportunity to build on the courage of a little-known, but important hero of the Swedish Red Cross Rescue using the "White Buses" to save 15,345 prisoners from the Nazi death camps near the end of World War Two. Erik Ringman was driving one of these buses in a convoy when the British Royal Air Force strafed his bus, killing him instantly. His courage inspires me to find ways to help others in their search for community and civic action."
Bailey Rodgers
Board Member
"My journey with the Better Futures Foundation began in summer 2019 when I first met Richard Ohlsson and was conducting research for the To Life: The Liberation of Ravensbrück exhibition. Since then, the story of the Swedish Red Cross White Buses continues to inspire me to spread the message of kindness and compassion to students."
Adrian Sanchez
Secretary
"The Better Futures Foundation stresses the impact a young person can make with a single, seemingly ordinary act. I know firsthand the spark of inspiration the heroes of the White Bus mission can ignite. Through the collaborative efforts of Better Futures and its partner organizations, I hope to be a part of our mission to inspire action and compassion in young minds."
Neil Spirtas
Board Member
“After retiring from the Chamber of Commerce in 2015, my goal was to work on a few worthwhile causes, of my choosing. In a place, with my skillset, where I could really make a difference on a grand scale.
Shortly thereafter, I learned about the atrocities of the Ravensbruck concentration camp whereby Jews and non-Jews were persecuted for their gender, religion and political reasons during the Holocaust.
Due to the anti-Semitism in Europe at the time and to never have these heinous crimes aimed at mankind from happening again, I have gladly joined this most worth while educational endeavor!”
Uri Smajovits
Board Member
"My passion for White Bus for Better Futures stems from being a child of two Holocaust survivors and seeing these amazing and brave rescue efforts gives me hope in humanity triumphing over evil.
Fast forward to today I feel inspired and privileged by the leadership of Richard Ohlsson who have so whole heartedly championed this cause without having had any relatives lost in the Holocaust – their selflessness is heart warming and contagious!"
Melissa VandeBurgt
Vice President
"I believe in the work and programs that the Better Future Foundations facilitates and support the mission. As we lose more survivors, it is critical that we continue to carry on the stories and legacies of the survivors, heroes, and those that were lost."
Get in Touch with Better Futures Foundation
Contact info:
Richard Ohlsson, President Cell: (941) 315-5125 Mail: [email protected]
Post address: Better Futures Foundation Inc, P O Box 5072, Sarasota, FL. 34277
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