£12,500 donated to Grimsby charity thanks to unique crematorium scheme

The Sunflower Children’s Action Group is a small, volunteer run, local charity formed in 2019 to create special, inclusive events and activities for children who suffer from life-limiting and/or life-threatening conditions.

Now, thanks to the large donation by the Council, it can help make more young people’s dreams come true. Charity Trustee Joanne Wright said: “It’s a massive donation and as a charity we rely solely on the generosity of people.

"At the moment, we are fundraising to take around 30 families to Calvert Lake which will help empower those living with these sorts of conditions. They will have the opportunity to go rock climbing, kayaking and much more.

“We’re also hoping it will give the families a way of socialising with one another and make sure they have someone to talk to. This donation will go a long way to making all that happen.”

The money was raised through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme, which has been in operation since 2014.

This works through the collecting of recyclable metals such as parts of the coffin and replacement implants or joints that can be salvaged following a cremation. 

Proceeds from the sale of the metal go into a charity fund, which is donated twice a year. As part of the scheme, Bereavement Services have donated more than £150,000 to local charities and over £22 million has been donated nationally.

Councillor Henry Hudson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by our Bereavement Services Team and I’m so glad we could help a local charity.

“To have donated over £150,000 in a decade is something to be proud of and we will endeavour to continue with it, helping as many people in the borough as possible.”

To volunteer with the Sunflower Children’s Action Group, visit their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/sunflowerslocal/?locale=en_GB