Crematorium donates almost £12k to charity
TWO Inverclyde charities are sharing almost £12,000 thanks to a donation from Greenock Crematorium.
Parklea Branching Out and The Anchor, formerly Man On! Inverclyde, each received a cheque for £5,800.
It is thanks to Greenock Crematorium’s participation in the recycling of metals scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM).
Inverclyde Council, which manages the crematorium, has been part of the initiative for a number of years.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “Both charities do a fantastic job supporting people of all ages across Inverclyde and these donations will help them to continue the first-class work they do day in, day out.
“The donations would not be possible, however, without the consent of bereaved families and I hope they can take some comfort in knowing that they have helped two worthy, local causes.
“My thanks also to Ian Kearns and his team at the crematorium for the excellent work they do on a daily basis caring for families who have lost a loved one and for getting us involved in this worthwhile scheme that allows us to extend that support to local charities.”
In 2022, a donation of £12k was made to Ardgowan Hospice thanks to the recycling of metals scheme.
This time round, Parklea and The Anchor were chosen as the beneficiaries.
Parklea Branching Out, which is based in Port Glasgow, was established in 1997 and uses horticulture to provide training, work experience, supported employment, and recreational and social facilities for a variety of people, including young people and adults with additional support needs.
Sharon Gemmell, manager of Parklea Branching Out, said: “Receiving this generous donation will significantly enhance our ability to provide vital support and opportunities for our learning disability community.
“We are incredibly grateful to Iain and his team at the Greenock Crematorium and the ICCM for their support of our charity's work and the commitment from the institute in helping to make a difference in the lives of those we support.”
The Anchor, which is based in Greenock, is a suicide prevention and adult wellbeing support charity that provides counselling and offers a range of activities for people who are struggling with their mental health.
It was recently rebranded from its original name, Man On! Inverclyde, to better reflect the wider work it does supporting people men, women and families.
James Crawford, community fundraiser at The Anchor, said: “ We at The Anchor appreciate the generosity and the support shown through this amazing donation.
“Thank you to everyone involved.”
The ICCM has raised over £19 million for charities since the recycling of metals scheme was created.