Hither Green Crem donates £12,500 from metal recycling scheme
With the consent of relatives, the scheme retrieves and recycles items such as medical pins, plates, wires, screws, rods, and artificial joins following a cremation
Hither Green Crematorium in Lewisham, London, has raised around £12,500 for local charities this year through the Recycling of Metals scheme, a programme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM).
The total sum 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).
With the consent of relatives, the scheme retrieves and recycles items such as medical pins, plates, wires, screws, rods, and artificial joins following a cremation. The proceeds from this recycling effort are then donated to charities that support terminally ill individuals or bereaved families.
The three donations will now fund 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, Lewisham Council 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, added: “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 £170k for local end-of-life and bereavement charities.