Entrepreneur and changemaker: Pär Svärdson’s path to greater impact

Philanthropy as an extension of entrepreneurship

The decision to step into philanthropy came after the sale of the bookstore Adlibris. New possibilities brought a deeper sense of purpose. After some reflection, Pär and his family decided to support initiatives that help build brighter futures for vulnerable children. They chose to partner with SOS Children’s Villages, drawn to the organisation’s commitment to providing stable, nurturing homes where children can grow and thrive.

This personal conviction soon expanded into a broader strategy at Apotea. Today, philanthropy is embedded in the company’s DNA, from supporting environmental and healthcare initiatives to funding humanitarian aid projects in Ukraine. Through campaigns involving customers, suppliers, and employees, Apotea channels significant funds toward a wide range of causes.

For Pär, philanthropy is not a side project. It is an extension of what it means to lead.

"It’s a win-win," he explains. "You help others, but you also grow yourself. It strengthens our team, builds pride among employees and deepens our relationship with customers."

Creating real impact

One of the initiatives close to his heart involves packing and sending emergency backpacks to Ukraine, a project funded in collaboration with partners and customers. The backpacks are carried by military medics at the front, enabling them to provide immediate emergency medical care on site. Staff at Apotea assemble the kits, creating a tangible connection between their daily work and the people they help.

"Each backpack can save multiple lives. When we hear back from the military staff in Ukraine, it gives us an incredible sense of purpose," he says.

His dedication to seeing real, meaningful impact also extends to environmental projects. Partnering with marine biologists at Ecopelag, Apotea and its customers sponsor mussel farming as a nature-based solution to help reduce over-fertilisation in the Baltic Sea. The harvested mussels are then used for sustainable feed and fertiliser, a win for both the planet and local communities.

Philanthropy has also become a family affair. Pär’s 20-year-old son will soon join him on a field trip to Bangladesh to visit SOS Children's Villages, gaining first-hand insight into the living conditions and the impact their support makes.

"It’s important for young people to build perspective, to see that the world is so much bigger than Stockholm," Pär says.

Helping where it is needed

Looking ahead, Pär’s commitment to philanthropy will continue to grow organically, adapting to new needs and opportunities as they arise. Whether through structured foundations or hands-on projects, the goal remains constant: to help where help is needed and to create change that endures.

In his office, framed diplomas and letters offer quiet reminders of the lives touched by these efforts and of the real power of second chances.

"Philanthropy is not just about money," he says. "It's about being human – about recognising that we can all do something, no matter how big or small."