Starting next week, The Journal will begin publishing a selection of stories drawn from a new collaborative project known as the Year of Local.
The initiative is bringing together a team of writers, photographers and designers who intend to highlight some of the local businesses and not-for-profit organizations that make Sarnia unique.
The goal is to inspire a shared sense of community pride and help ensure their future success, said spokesperson Rich Bouchard, a local entrepreneur and organizer of the Race to Erase fundraising event.
“This idea has been in the back of my mind for several years. I’ve met so many great people in the community and I am working on this project in order to be able to share their stories,” he said.
Laura Greaves, a local historian and owner of Photo Box Stories, is another of the project leaders.
The Journal is publishing a selection of the stories and they will all be available via a ‘Year of Local’ website, email newsletter and on Facebook and Twitter.
The final outcome will be 5,000 copies of a hardcover book, with each of the participants receiving copies for distribution.
“Our hope is that these books will get into the hands of people who believe in supporting local,” Bouchard said.
For more, or to sign up for the newsletter, visit yearoflocal.com. If interested in sponsoring the project and having your organization profiled, email [email protected]