South Carolina Rotarians Raise $100K

Media Contact: Jeremy Jacobs [email protected] (858) 531-3362  

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – A South Carolina Rotary District announced today that it raised more than $100,000 in one week to support the global disaster relief organization ShelterBox USA’s response to the crisis in Ukraine. 

For more than 20 years, ShelterBox has provided shelter and other essential items to the most vulnerable forced from their homes by disaster and conflict. It is currently responding to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, setting up multiple relief programs both inside and outside Ukraine, to help the nearly 10 million refugees who have fled Ukraine, and the millions who remain internally displaced within the country. 

ShelterBox is Rotary International’s global project partner in disaster relief. Rotary District 7770, located in South Carolina, quickly mobilized to raise funds with a district-wide auction, as well as individual clubs and Rotarians offering contributions.  

“Rotary International District 7770 Rotarians serve locally and globally, with this past week being no exception,” said Rotary District Governor Paul Walter. “The generosity of Rotarians has truly been amazing to see as contributions for ShelterBox have poured in. District 7770 is proud to be sending over $100,000 to ShelterBox. Yet again we are helping those that we may never see or know. This epitomizes our efforts to ‘do good in the world!’” 

ShelterBox provides humanitarian aid in the form of family-sized tents and essential tools to start repairing and rebuilding homes. The organization’s kits and boxes are tailored to each response, frequently including items such as cooking sets, solar lights, blankets, water filters, and activity sets for children. 

ShelterBox USA President Kerri Murray, who recently visited Poland and the Ukrainian border to meet with refugees, said this aid is critical to those being forced to flee their homes. 

“ShelterBox USA is deeply grateful for District 7770’s fundraising efforts and contribution,” Murray said. “This donation will enable us to deliver critical supplies to Ukrainians who need them most. When I was in Poland, I met with women and children who had to travel days by foot, bus, and train to reach the border, many of whom had to leave members of their family behind to fight. The support of District 7770 is critical to helping us provide aid to those families.”  

ShelterBox is currently working around the clock to set up programs for refugees as well as those displaced within Ukraine. It began to distribute aid this week, sending thousands of mattresses to “collective centers” like schools, churches, and sports centers. It also plans to send thermal blankets, hygiene kits, solar lights, and water carriers, among other items. It has responded in Ukraine twice previously, in 2003 and 2008, and has experience in protracted conflict zones, including 10 years of work in Syria. 

Rotary International District 7770 consists of 74 Rotary Clubs located in 27 counties of Eastern South Carolina. Its membership currently totals 3,469 Rotarians. The members follow the motto of Service Above Self and live The Four-Way Test in all that they think, say or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? 

Kerri, Paul, and Rotarian Herman Dixon are available for interviews. Photos and video available.