WHBC and Oak Hill Crematorium Donate £11,600 to Willow Foundation
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) and Oak Hill Crematorium have donated £11,600 to the Willow Foundation, which provides special days and breaks for seriously ill young adults and their families.
The cheque, presented by the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, Cllr Frank Marsh, will help the local charity provide special days and breaks, offering a distraction from the day-to-day challenges of hospital appointments, financial worries and stress that dealing with serious illness brings.
The donation was made possible through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) metals recycling scheme. Under this initiative, metals remaining after cremations are collected, processed in the Netherlands, and converted into funds. These funds are then distributed to participating crematoriums, which can select local causes to support.
Cllr Jane Quinton, Executive Member for Community and Leisure at WHBC, said:
“We are very proud to be part of the ICCM metals recycling scheme, which enables us to support an incredible local charity like the Willow Foundation. This initiative brings something positive from a difficult time for bereaved families, who have generously agreed to donate the metals for this worthy cause.”
Maria Alexander, Head of Supporter Fundraising at the Willow Foundation, said: “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for this extraordinary donation. The council’s incredible support will make a significant difference in the lives of seriously young adults. Contributions like this are invaluable to help keep us running and we are very grateful to the council, Oak Hill Crematorium and the ICCM for their generosity. We are so proud to have been chosen as the charity partner this year, and this remarkable contribution will help bring smiles, comfort and much-needed joy during to young adults and their families their most challenging times.”
The Willow Foundation has also donated twenty-five ‘Memories and Moments’ Harkness rose plants to be planted and enjoyed by those visiting the memorial gardens at Oak Hill. The roses can also be purchased by the public and the Willow Foundation will receive a donation of £2.50 for each rose sold. Find out more at www.roses.co.uk.