Fair Trade Blog

In it’s hey day, the Hotel Fortney was a way stop for tobacco buyers, traveling salesman, bussiness men and any tired soul with the price of a room.  Today, the building houses the working poor, the disabled, the retired, and our store, Driftless Fair Traders.  You can see an historical painting of the old girl here.  

Craig Anderson, Kathi Irwin, and Beatrice Small bought the Viroqua, Wis., building in late 2005, and have been cleaning and renovating the building ever since.  Their mission for the resident space is to provide accomodations for low income people.  

We are pleased that Saint Mary Parish Social Concerns Committee plans to help meet the food needs of the residents. 

One Sunday a month, the committee hopes to arrange for a meal at the Fortney.   In addition, the committee hopes to work with other parish groups to bring excess food to the Fortney, such as from funerals or other parish gatherings.  It’s already happening.  Just this morning four women dropped off food from a parish breakfast.  

There are children and less capable individuals living in the hotel, so I will feel better knowing they are getting wholesome food on a regular basis.   

Keep shopping your good values.

Kile