Solihull Council donate £5k raised from recycled metals to Acorns Children’s Hospice

Solihull Council has donated £5,000 raised from the recycling of metals from cremations at Robin Hood and Woodlands to Acorns Children’s Hospice.

A cheque was handed over by Councillor Tony Dicicco, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities and Partnerships, to one of the charity’s community fundraising officers Joanne Danaher at a ceremony earlier today (Wednesday 14th February).

The money comes as a result of Solihull Council being part of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Recycling of Metals Scheme – which sends the money raised from the recycling of metals back to them – the council can then nominate a local bereavement-related charity to receive a donation.

All of the material recycled is only processed with the written consent of each bereaved family.

Councillor Tony Dicicco said: “While cremation is a sensitive issue that can be difficult for many people to deal with, we are proud to be involved in this scheme and provide a donation to a local charity which helps so many people and their families through difficult times.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to every bereaved family that has agreed to take part in this scheme. Without their support we would not be able to provide such an incredible amount of money to this extremely worthwhile cause.”

The money will go towards the running costs of the hospice, which provides care and support for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families, across Solihull, Birmingham and Warwickshire.

Joanne Danaher, from Acorns fundraising team, added: “It’s fantastic to have support from Solihull Council. It costs Acorns nearly £10 million every year to provide our care – the majority of which comes from community fundraising, so we’re very grateful to have them behind us.

“Acorns offer a network of specialist palliative care and support for babies, children and young people across the Midlands. Last year, we have supported over 876 children and more than 1,097 families, including those who are bereaved.”