Stories about Local Champions

The Local Champions Blog highlights some of the amazing work our community accomplishes and motivates us all to work better together. We are lucky to work with so many champions who are a model for positive behavior change and influence us to go the extra mile. Our local champions are building connections within the community every day. Filter our stories by categories listed below or browse them all. We hope you’re inspired by the local champions in our community, too! 

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How “The Freedge” Supports a More Food-Secure Whatcom County

How “The Freedge” Supports a More Food-Secure Whatcom County

Tucked behind The RE Store in Bellingham WA is a Freedge. What exactly is a Freedge, you might ask? It’s a community refrigerator packed with free, nutritious food – and it’s open to all. This particular Freedge is the result of a partnership between The RE Store and...

Food and Fish Coming to the Portal Container Village

Food and Fish Coming to the Portal Container Village

The Portal is Whatcom County’s container village hub, located at the heart of the Downtown Bellingham’s Waterfront. It currently features six local businesses creatively operating out of shipping containers including Kulshan Brewery and a rotating retail shop for...

Sustainable Connections Launches Solarize Whatcom

Sustainable Connections Launches Solarize Whatcom

Bellingham, WA, March 5, 2024, Sustainable Connections is excited to announce the launch of Solarize Whatcom, a new solar energy program available through July 4th. This program supports Whatcom County residents who are curious about installing solar panels on their...

Missing Middle Housing – Missing No More!

Missing Middle Housing – Missing No More!

The 2023 Washington State Legislative Session recently passed missing middle housing legislation, which legalized the building of a variety of homes in all zones across Washington State. What does this mean for Whatcom County? And do we even need it?   As Bellingham...

The Stories at the Heart of our Local Food System

The Stories at the Heart of our Local Food System

Tele Aadsen is a female commercial fisherman and writer, connecting people to salmon through the stories she shares and the fish she catches. She knows first-hand how the power of storytelling shapes our relationships to the food we eat and the folks who grow, raise,...