SUDBURY—Montana Brandow compares winning her first national title to making the “pageant Olympics.”
“I started competing in 2018 and have been competing every year, chasing my dream to represent Canada. Winning this title to me is like winning the pageant Olympics,” said Ms. Brandow, who just turned 24 this year after winning her first international competition. She won the title of Royal International Miss Role Model Canada 2024 on December 9.
Ms. Brandow, who has strong family connections to Manitoulin Island, will be heading to Orlando, Florida in July to compete against other international winners. “I am very excited!” she stated. “I will be there for a week at the Royal International Miss Role Model Pageant.”
The Royal International Miss (RIM) webpage states, “The Role Model program was created to recognize and award young women for their outstanding community service. Here at RIM we are dedicated to teaching leadership skills through giving back to others. Valuable life lessons learned through volunteer service will serve these girls well, long after their pageant careers are over and as they grow into confident and compassionate citizens in their communities. Girls are eligible to compete for the Role Model title alone or in conjunction with competing for a divisional title at both the stage and national level.”
“I signed up for the Canada competition in September and was crowned on December 9,” said Ms. Brandow. “The competition was held virtually in Alberta this year. It was different and the crowning took place online.” She said the preliminaries will possibly be held in Ontario next year.
“In Orlando there will be roughly between 70-80 girls competing in my division and over 300 overall. The participants are from all over the world, including Canada, USA, Australia, United Kingdom and many other countries,” explained Ms. Brandow. “At this competition 35 percent of the role model judging criteria is for the interview, 10 percent for resume/essay, 20 percent portfolio/scrapbook, 20 percent evening gown and 15 percent personal introduction.”
“My platform is on sustainability and agriculture and how to make a better impact on our world,” said Ms. Brandow. “If I am selected there is an opportunity to go to New York Fashion Week to be on the runway. The winners of the role model division also receive a grant to help put their platform more into action. This would help me to offer more workshops and increased options to provide resources and education to help others with their sustainability practices. A lot of people do not know where their food comes from so it is important for our generation to understand how to create and sustain a healthy planet for the future.”
Ms. Brandow is a young woman who has consistently won the community service award category in her pageant competitions. She is recognized in the Sudbury community for a number of events she has promoted and participated in, as well as establishing her own environmentally friendly programs. She says that volunteer work is a huge priority in her life and if there is some type of event she can help with, she will. She has put in over 4,500 volunteer hours over the past few years in such places as the Sudbury Bunny Rescue, Massey Fair and more.
“Some of the amazing opportunities I have been involved in were raising over $1,000 for local charities by participating in six different five kilometre runs. I also raised $350 in the Polar Plunge. I had that on my bucket list, and it was cold last year. Freezing! It was a shock to my system, but I was very happy to be able to offer my support. ‘Freeze for a reason’ was spot on!”
“I also volunteered at the Sudbury Women’s Centre,” said Ms. Brandow. “In addition, I donated to various local missions providing over 100 blankets, clothing and hygiene products to help out. I also have an educational Instagram that can help teach you about sustainability at @keepitsustainable_you.can.”
Ms. Brandow grew up on a small homestead in Massey, so she is quite comfortable raising chickens, turkeys, rabbits and pigs. “I love cows. I used to show them at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. I am also a seven-time grand champion at the local show in Massey and my nickname is “the Dairy Queen.” I happily worked for a few years at the Emery Farm in Massey. We have a small homestead with chickens, pigs and turkeys. I have always been involved in the 4-H club, so I have considerable experience with sustainability skills.”
Part of Ms. Brandow’s focus is on educating others and teaching them how to garden and pick their own products. “As I have always been a nature enthusiast, this platform feels like home to me and makes it easy for me to help others,” she said,
Ms. Brandow says she will be part of the Flour Mill Community Garden this spring to help others develop their gardening skills. She will again be taking part in the Coldest Night of Year walk this year to raise funds.
Ms. Brandow is looking for sponsors to help her prepare for her upcoming pageant in Orlando. Your sponsorship will help to cover the cost of fees, wardrobe, accommodations and more. While she will need monetary donations, there are other ways people can help. She is looking for business sponsors who can assist with hair, makeup and nails. If anyone can provide additional wardrobe choices, this would also be welcome.
If you would like to help, Ms. Brandow can be messaged on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/montana.brandow or you can email her at mbbrandow116@gmail.com. Etransfers can be made from any bank to her email mbbrandow116@gmail.com
