Innovation

Ms. Hodgins stated that "as far as we know, the Fogo Island Inn is the only 100% social business hotel in the world. All benefit of the hotel will go back to the local community." The design of the hotel minimizes the overall building footprint and impact on the adjacent rocks, lichens, and berries. All rooms at the hotel are like a small exhibition to show the richness of the local culture and amazing design that combine the traditional and modern symbols. All of the Inn’s rooms were created using only natural materials such as wood, wool, cotton, and linen. The only plastic in the guest rooms is the telephone.

Inspiration

According to Diane Hodgins, CFO of the Shorefast foundation, “The idea of the Fogo Island Inn was to build another leg on Fogo Island’s economy after the collapse of the cod fishery, building on Fogo Islanders’ inherent predisposition to exceptional hospitality.” The inspiration comes from how to use the local resources to make the island better.

At the interview, I asked Diane Hodgins what is her idea about a better world, she said "By 2027, I would hope that the world would have come to see itself a whole. We should move towards a world where people understand that their economic actions inform our social realities, and we should make smarter decisions that are good for people & planet, not just individual or corporate interests. At Shorefast, we use the metaphor of a cauliflower: all the places in the world and the florets, and they are fed by the stem, which is comprised of our economic systems. If the stem becomes too self-serving, the florets, especially the small ones, start to die. We shouldn’t let the florets die, and we should conduct ourselves and our businesses in such a way that allows for the health of the global economic system ".

Overall impact

The Fogo island’s innovative idea about sustainability can influence the hotel industry and also change the local islander’s life. Its prefect practices of sustainability in the environment, traditional culture, local community, and social sustainability. Fogo Islanders make their house, tools and furniture by themselves since the late 1600s. In order to keep this handmade tradition, in the Fogo inn, almost all the furniture and furnishings were designed and made by the local community. The furniture represents an innovative, collaborative process that lets artists and designers work with skilled rural artisans from Fogo Island. Materials are sourced mainly from Fogo Island and Newfoundland, followed by the rest of Canada, North America, and traditional trading partners such as Spain and Portugal. All quilts in the hotel suites are made for the Fogo Island Inn by local Island quilters that use natural vintage fabrics in an assortment of colors and patterns, and were inspired by Fogo Island’s longstanding quilting tradition.

Business benefit

There is no individual benefit in the hotel. Shorefast Foundation, its owner, strives to use business-mind ways to achieve social ends. This “not-just-for-profit” approach to business is a model for a more positive and productive relationship between capital and community.

Social and environmental benefit

Shorefast is a registered Canadian charity with the mandate to promote cultural and economic resiliency for Fogo Island. Shorefast was founded by Zita, Anthony, and Alan Cobb, who are 7th generation Fogo Islanders. All had moved away from Fogo Island for their careers, and upon retirement, they wanted to do something for their home. Through engaging with the community of Fogo Island, they developed the holistic set of initiatives that comprise Shorefast’s work and includes the Fogo Island Inn. The Inn is a 100% social business: all operating surpluses are reinvested in the community of Fogo Island through the projects and programs of Shorefast Foundation. The Inn was built using primarily private philanthropic funds with the addition of some government grants, and there are no financial contributors seeking a return on their investment. The success of the Inn benefits no individuals, but rather the larger community of Fogo Island.

Interview

Diane Hodgins, CFO, SHOREFAST FOUNDATION