Meet fairandfunky friends is our blog series to get to know the people we work with, and how together, we take little steps to change the world. We are constantly inspired by the people we meet and love being able to share their stories. As we celebrate being selected as a coop community cause (and you can CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE US!) we welcome Rachel Mallon from the Co-op to answer our questions…
Who are you, where are you from and what do you do? Hi, I’m Rachel Mallon, originally from Doncaster and after living all over the UK and Europe for 20 years I now find myself back in Doncaster with my wonderful family and friends, as you’ll know from my accent is clearly where I belong. I work for the Co-op supporting all things community and membership in Doncaster, Barnsley and Kirklees. My role is very varied and brings me into contact with amazing individuals and groups every day.
What makes you a fairandfunky friend? Helen and Sophie!! My first week in my new role I decided to drive to Holmfirth and pop into the Tech and introduce myself and received quite possibly the warmest welcome I’ve ever had working for the Co-op. I can’t take all or any of the credit, fairandfunky had just won the Co-op Winner Takes it All competition and so were very pleased to see me and shared a little dance (online not to me personally) to celebrate. I work with lots of Co-op causes and lots of groups linked to promoting Fairtrade but Helen and Sophie have a truly unique way of sharing their passion. Their commitment and positivity is incredible and the amazing work they do with local schools around Fairtrade and recycling is helping educate young people across West Yorkshire in a fun and engaging way.
What little steps do you take to change the world? I love upcycling furniture and I’m big on not wasting food. I recycle, re-use or redistribute everything I possibly can. In a previous life I had a business selling children’s Fairtrade organic clothes, some of which was made from recycled plastic water bottles, and most of my kids clothing was organic and Fairtrade until they reached 14 and went over to the dark side.
Who influences or inspires you? And why? I feel very lucky as I meet so many inspiring people every day and while it’s great to see volunteers and community groups winning awards and receiving well deserved recognition, I find the small day to day things that often aren’t recognised and people don’t have to, but choose to do inspiring. To keep it local, since taking on the role covering Holmfirth I have been amazed at the level of community activity and how welcoming and supportive everyone has been. On my first day I met Sally from the Tech, Sian from Holme Valley Climate Action Partnership and of course Helen and Sophie. Four very inspiring women in so many ways. I also have to mention Jenki, my 93 year old neighbour who made me a vegetarian curry every week of lockdown and left it at my gate.
How do YOU inspire others to take little steps to change the world? In my role with the Co-op I take every opportunity to promote Fairtrade and encourage everyone I know to choose Fairtrade. I’m in a very privileged position as a Co-op employee in having access to resources that allow me to encourage and support people to play their part, through education, campaigning and I get to give away lots of free chocolate!!
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