Recycled metal from council-run crematorium helps support local charities
The amount raised has been split between pregnancy and baby loss charity SANDS (£4,166), based in Catford, St Christopher’s Hospice (£4,167) and Citizens Advice Lewisham (£4,167).
The money has been raised through the Recycling of Metals Scheme, a program run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), of which Lewisham Council is a member.
With consent of relatives, the scheme retrieves and recycles items such as medical pins, plates, wires, screws, rods, and artificial joints following a cremation.
The proceeds from this recycling effort are then donated to charities that support terminally ill individuals or bereaved families.
The money will now go towards much needed specialist equipment at St Christopher’s Hospice, one-to-one bereavement befriending for families that have experienced pregnancy and baby loss, and bereavement support provided via Citizens Advice Lewisham.
Cllr Oana Olaru-Holmes joined staff from the council’s bereavement service to hand cheques over to the charities.
Cllr Oana Olaru-Holmes Cabinet Member with responsibility for Bereavement services said: “We're honoured to participate in the ICCM metal recycling scheme, allowing us to support three incredible local charities. These organisations provide crucial care and assistance to our community during some of life's most challenging moments."
Hannah Peck, Strategic Partnerships Manager at SANDS said: “Thanks to all at Lewisham Council for your generosity. Your support means we can continue to provide bereavement support services to local families, including our befriending services, for those who are going through some of the most challenging times of their lives. We rely on donations to help make sure we can keep our services accessible and free. Thank you for making such an impact on the lives of bereaved families.”
Christine Davies, Head of Fundraising at St Christopher’s Hospice said “We’re so thankful for this donation which will help us to continue to provide vital end of life care for our patients and support for their families when they need it the most. We are so grateful to everyone across the community for their support and are always keen to find local organisations to collaborate with.”
Since signing up to the ICCM metal recycling scheme 10 years ago, Lewisham Council has raised over £170,000 for local end of life and bereavement charities.