Kent Crematoria Supports Local Charities
Seven charities are to receive donations totalling nearly £38,000 from two Kent crematoria which was raised through their metal recycling scheme.
With the consent of families, metals recovered during cremation are recycled and any money raised at each of the 34 crematoria and cemeteries nationwide operated by Westerleigh Group are used to support local worthy causes.
Barham Crematorium, in Canterbury, and Charing Crematoria, near Ashford, have pooled their resources to make the donations.
Pilgrims Hospices, east Kent’s largest hospice charity, helps those facing a terminal diagnosis – and their families – to live well in every moment.
The organisation has more than 200 nurses and therapists, and support thousands of people in east Kent every year. The two Kent crematoria are donating £23,000 to support Pilgrims Hospices.
MacMillan Cancer Support is to receive £2,800 towards its efforts to providing physical, emotional and financial support to those facing cancer.
Kent, Surrey & Sussex is to receive £5,000 towards its vital emergency response work.
Crisis At Christmas is supported every year by the crematoria, and this year will receive £1,500 towards its work to support homeless people.
Holding On Letting Go, the Kent-based charity which helps children to cope with the death of someone close to them, will receive £2,000.
Barham Churches will receive £1,500 for local projects such as bereavement counselling.
The Rotary Club will receive £2,000 to go towards its Covid relief projects.
Darren Daughters, site manager of both Kent crematoria, said: “Since the donations come through the generosity of our families agreeing to recycle the metals, we try to give back to the community.
“Throughout each year, listening to families helps us to agree where to donate the money we’ve raised. This gives us a connection to the families and lets them know how much we wish to support them.
“In the past, a few families have asked us to consider their choice of charity, based on their own experiences and, again, we like to continue to support them when we can.
“All these organisations do such incredible work trying to enhance and make a positive difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, and it’s an honour to be able to provide them with some financial support”
