20 Questions on the Coast: An Interview with Kurt Freudenreich, The Sonder Project
By Michelle Jannazo How long have you lived here? I’ve lived in the Freeport area since 1995. Went to school here when there was only one traffic light! What is your work here? Since 2015, my wife, Kim, and I have owned and operated Arbor Barber Trees, a tree care service. Most recently we purchased a sawmill and started ABTWOODSHOP. Now, when we remove old growth because it is diseased, dying or endangering human life, we bring it to the shop and give it a second life. By milling and repurposing the wood, we are good stewards of the resources available to us. How are you actively involved in our community? My wife and I are Rotarians and have also hosted fundraisers for the Freeport Area Youth Sports Association. I’m working to support The Sonder Project. What is The Sonder Project? Started in 2015, The Sonder Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with eight board members, founded here in the Panhandle with the mission to empower impoverished communities through high-impact, sustainable development. They focus their work in Sub-Saharan Africa, because that is where they can make the greatest impact on the most number of lives at the most efficient cost. Annually, it serves at least 5,000 people directly every year, with an operating budget of approximately $500,000, and likely many more, as the initiatives have a lasting impact for generations. Staff includes one U.S.-based full-time staff member and six international, full-time staff members. How did you become involved? After Hurricane...
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