July 24, 2025

Beaufort Rotary Clubs Foster Partnership with Ostroh, Ukraine

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.