Colchester Crematorium recently donated £25,500 to three local charities with the funds raised from metal recycling.
A cheque presentation was held on 20 August, attended by representatives from the three chosen charities. Each organisation received £8,500. The beneficiaries were Rainbow Trust, The Not Forgotten, and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Transforming recycled metals into meaningful support
Through participating in ICCM (Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management) metal recycling scheme, the £48,000 generated through the recycling process were donated to 6 local bereavement charities in the past two years.
Oonagh Goodman, Director of Fundraising at Rainbow Trust said: “We are exceptionally grateful for the donation. As a charity that relies on donations to fund our vital services, support like this is truly a lifeline. This incredible contribution will directly enable our Family Support Workers to continue supporting families that need support, whether that means driving families to hospital appointments, organising fun activities for brothers and sisters, or listening to a family’s fears and anxieties.”
Alyson Smith, Community Fundraising & Development Manager at The Not Forgotten, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Colchester Crematorium and everyone who contributed to this generous donation. Support like this enables us to continue providing vital social opportunities for veterans and serving personnel who may be facing illness, injury, or isolation. On behalf of our beneficiaries, thank you for helping us ensure that those who have served our country feel valued, connected, and never forgotten.”
Billie Nugent, Senior Corporate fundraiser of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices said: “This generous donation will help us continue providing vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, while enabling us to reach even more people who need our help.”
New recycling company to increase charitable donations and improve environmental sustainability
We are pleased to announce the crematorium will work together with RS Bruce Ltd, a local metal recycling company with over 40 years of experience in precious metal recycling. The new partnership offers a number of important benefits: The entire recycling process is carried out within the UK with lower operating costs, mean that a greater proportion of the funds raised can be donated to charitable causes. Collection vehicles used by RS Bruce Ltd are fully electric, helping to reduce carbon emissions.
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection said: “Colchester Crematorium remains committed to providing compassionate services while supporting sustainable practices and worthwhile local causes. Providing such an intimate, personal, and sensitive service at the end of life is essential, even if it touches on topics like recycling that are not always in the spotlight. This metal recycling initiative turns compassion into action, with funds raised locally being invested back into local people. We’re proud that these donations will help local charities continue providing invaluable support to residents and families when they need it most.”
From left to right: Helen Robertson, Bereavement Services Assistant Manager; Nial Spence, volunteer of The Not Forgotten; Amy Elias, Community Fundraising Executive of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity; Councillor David King; Russell Gadsby, Bereavement Services Manager; Billie Nugent, Senior Corporate fundraiser of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.