Quattro Foods is one of the UK’s leading food manufacturers, responsible for nourishing the nation in a responsible way. Sustainability is top of our priorities and as a family business, we are proud to pass our values down to the next generation.
One representative of that next generation is Isabelle Brower. A Millennial on a mission. Inspired by mum Sam, who runs every aspect of Quattro Foods with an eye on limiting damage to the environment, Isabelle has taken on a mammoth fundraising challenge with the full support, pride and admiration of all at Quattro Foods.
She is setting off to Madagascar on a sustainability project in 2020 and in the run up, she can’t seem to sit still…
From running a curry stall at her school’s open day to raise money for the trip, to completing a sponsored 60km walk this summer, Isabelle’s dedication to her cause is quite impressive. In September she may also take part in the ‘Snowdonia Seven Summits Scramble’, aiming to complete it in 12 hours. The route for the challenge will see her, as part of a group, navigate her way over North Ridge of Tryfan, Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr and Snowdon Horseshoe. Phew!
We managed to sit her down for a few minutes to answer some questions about the why, the what and the how of her thrilling adventures.
- Can you tell us what motivated you to take on this challenge?
I thought it was a fantastic opportunity to see parts of the world I would not usually see but in a sustainable way. Apart from the actual trip, raising the money is a useful learning experience. I also want to help people and it feels like a great opportunity to develop skills in organisation and personal skills. The idea of learning to live with people that aren’t just my family for 4 weeks and get over arguments and disputes and still try to work as a team is nerve-wracking but exciting and I will learn so much about different cultures. My mum has always encouraged me to grab every opportunity life has to offer with both hands. The world is so interconnected and global that having a chance to go to areas that are less well traveled is a privilege. - What are the challenges faced by the people of Madagascar that you hope to help with?
There is such a high rate of poverty and therefore reduced access to so many services we take for granted. One of the projects we may be involved with is building a school, supporting access to education for all. We will also be involved in a shorter project, helping plant crops so there is enough food available for the community. Every project is designed so that the local people can continue once we leave. - Are you planning to take your interest in sustainability further, ie into your career?
I am very interested in languages which I hope to use in my career, for example fostering communications between different countries. This experience will hopefully help me understand different cultures and develop these skills. - As a Millennial you are statistically more engaged in sustainability issues. How can your generation help get older generations on board?
I think I might be generation Z but we are still engaged in a similar way. The older generation have set ideas so raising awareness is important and even having a simple direct conversation can be a start as they are forced to listen and then you can spread knowledge and new ideas to them.I am an adventure junkie and I just got back from silver Duke of Edinburgh and I loved walking and working as a team with my friends. Two years ago when I did my first world challenge experience, called First Challenge, I went to Romania and it was an amazing experience spending two weeks without any mobile phones or Wi-Fi connection, I hope it is the same in Madagascar; it’s not often we get to experience being completely tech free.
We wish Isabelle the best of luck!
Contact the Quattro team if you are interested in sponsoring her on this sustainable adventure. Thank you.