News Summary
On July 16, three local Rotary Clubs in Beaufort organized a historic ZOOM meeting with leaders from Ostroh, Ukraine, affected by the ongoing conflict. This partnership has led to significant aid efforts, including financial support and vital supplies for the city. Both communities are committed to fostering solidarity and discussing ongoing needs as they navigate the challenges of war.
Beaufort – On July 16, 2025, three local Rotary Clubs in Beaufort successfully organized a historic ZOOM meeting with town leaders from Ostroh, Ukraine, a city severely impacted by the ongoing conflict with Russia. This initiative symbolizes the strengthening partnership formed between Beaufort and Ostroh soon after the onset of the war in 2022, which led to their designation as unofficial sister cities.
The meeting was orchestrated at the Friendship Hall of Sea Island Presbyterian Church on Lady’s Island, expertly coordinated by Dr. Baxter McClendon from the Sea Island Rotary Club, with Barry Wilson overseeing the technical operations of the call. Attending the meeting were prominent Beaufort officials, including City Councilman Mike McFee, City Manager Scott Marshall, and various Rotary leaders such as Bob Gross and Janie Ephland.
During the meeting, the focus was on providing updates on the war’s effects in Ostroh. As of now, the city has reported the tragic loss of 186 citizens, with over 100 individuals currently unaccounted for as the conflict continues. The presence of around 20 Ukrainian representatives included Mayor Kostyantyn Kyryliuk, who highlighted the resilience of the city in maintaining essential services amidst the war. The Acting Deputy Mayor, Oleksandr Khorunzhyi, pointed out ongoing efforts to uphold education and economic development despite the prevailing challenges.
The humanitarian response from Beaufort has been significant. Since the establishment of this partnership, the city has contributed over $130,000 in aid, alongside thousands of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) and various agricultural supplies to support Ostroh. Additionally, Rotary’s commitment extends beyond financial aid, with the organization having sent ambulances and medical supplies to the region, and securing $25 million from the Rotary Foundation for vital water purification projects in Ukraine.
Mayor Pro Tem Mike McFee reiterated Beaufort’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ostroh and the broader Ukrainian effort in these troubled times. As the dialogue progressed, questions were raised concerning the morale of citizens in Ukraine and their pressing needs during the conflict. The Ukrainian delegation emphasized the importance of advocacy for further assistance from the U.S. They also indicated intentions to engage in discussions about specific needs for future support with Beaufort’s Rotary leaders.
As the meeting drew to a close, the atmosphere shifted to a moment of solidarity, with the Ukrainian representatives singing the hymn “God The Great, The One, Save Us Ukraine.” This emotional display emphasized the human aspect of the ongoing conflict and the connections fostered during such international interactions. Participant John Trask highlighted the importance of these personal connections, which aid in humanizing the conflict for the Beaufort community.
Beyond providing immediate assistance, Ostroh is currently home to over 2,000 displaced individuals from other regions of Ukraine, necessitating ongoing care for war-injured citizens. Efforts are being made to accommodate these individuals while ensuring that the city continues to strive for a semblance of normalcy in education and economic stability.
For those wishing to contribute to the efforts supporting Ostroh, donations can be made through any of the three participating Rotary Clubs in Beaufort or through the city’s nonprofit organization. The collaborative efforts of the Beaufort Rotary Clubs and their commitment to the people of Ostroh showcase the power of community solidarity in the face of adversity.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: People of Beaufort & Ostroh Historic Meeting
- Wikipedia: Ukraine
- WSAV: Beaufort Adopted Ukrainian City Reunite
- Google Search: Beaufort Ostroh
- Explore Beaufort SC: Beaufort Adopts Sister City in Ukraine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Humanitarian Aid
- Newsweek: Ukraine Troops & Peace Deal
- Google News: Beaufort Ukraine
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
