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.
The Swedish Red Cross White Bus Rescue Action

White Bus Rescue Action
- presentation

“How a Jar of Potato Salad led to the rescue of 15,500 Holocaust victims”

Looking at the past and learning from the emerging future

Workshop for
students of all ages

Character-building learning experience promoting social, intercultural and civic competencies.

Wanda Hjort Heger

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

Ravensbrück
We who lived there

Sheds light on the personal experiences of then recently liberated Holocaust survivors.

Community Partnership

Florida Gulf Coast University

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

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-red-cross-uniform

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

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

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

White Bus for Better Futures Character-building learning experiences

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.
Learn More

We are Better Futures Foundation

Richard Ohlsson President 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

Magnus Gertten

Honorary Board Member

martin-lakocinski

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.”

Bailey Rodgers

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."

Headshot of Adrian Sanchez

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."

uri-smajovits

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!"

Headshot of Melissa VandeBurgt

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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