Westport-based artist Mark Yurkiw spoke at last week’s Rotary Club meeting about his ongoing humanitarian efforts to deliver lifesaving medical and essential supplies to Ukraine since the war began in 2022.
Born in New York City to Ukrainian-born parents who came to the U.S. at the end of World War II, Yurkiw grew up speaking Ukrainian and maintains strong ties to his ancestral homeland. With the outbreak of war, he launched “Bringing Compassion to the World,” an initiative dedicated to shipping medical and other critical supplies to Ukraine. His organization fills 40-foot containers, each costing approximately $8,000 to ship.
During his presentation, Yurkiw shared a slide and video presentation documenting his recent travels to Ukraine. His journey to the war-torn country was arduous—after a 27-hour trip by air and rail, he arrived in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, before traveling another six hours over rough terrain to reach areas near the front lines.
Despite nearly two years of conflict, Yurkiw described how many Ukrainians remain shocked by the ongoing war and continue to adapt to its demands. Civilians and soldiers balance daily life with wartime responsibilities. Some serve as soldiers, others produce supplies like camouflage netting, cook meals for troops, or assemble drones from their homes to support the military effort.
He met families who had lost their homes and loved ones, highlighting the human toll of the war. In Kyiv, a massive public plaza has been transformed into a memorial for those lost in the conflict. Yet, amid the devastation, daily life continues. His presentation included images of historic churches, Kyiv’s main university, and the picturesque streets of Lviv in western Ukraine, showing both the resilience and cultural richness of the country.
Yurkiw’s work is supported by Ridgefield Responds, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit humanitarian organization. Those interested in supporting his efforts through donations of medical supplies or financial contributions can visit ridgefieldresponds.org.
