Funeral firm’s help for charity
Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral Directors presented nearly £600 to the charity EDP Drug & Alcohol Services.
The money was raised over Christmas through the company’s ‘trees of remembrance’ initiative.
Members of the public were invited to remember their loved ones by leaving a message on the trees situated in the funeral group’s branches.
For a small donation, friends and families were also able to decorate the trees with a bauble.
The company has a policy of supporting small, local charities not only with financial assistance but also by raising awareness about their work.
Managing Director Nick Douch presented a cheque for £567.51 to two of the charity’s mentors at an event held in Christchurch.
EDP, which provides services across the south west, said the money would be used to help run a new minibus that is a crucial part of its outreach work in Dorset.
The charity supports people who wish to address their drug and alcohol misuse. A fundamental belief underpinning its work is that, given the right support and resources, people can and do make remarkable changes.
Kathryn Watts, EDP’s fundraising and marketing officer, said: “We are extremely grateful for donations given to us by individuals and businesses which enable us to offer more to those we work with in Dorset.
“With Douch Family Funeral Directors working around the county they understand the areas in which we operate.
“They have offered us support not only with this donation but particularly by helping our branch in Swanage with its recent refurbishment.”
Nick Douch said: “We are committed to supporting local charities which often rely on dedicated volunteers.
“We know the money will be directed straight to the important work they carry out.
“We have worked with EDP before and understand how important they are to people with drug and alcohol problems in our community.”
The funeral group has more than 60 staff; its branches are Douch & Small in Wimborne, AE Jolliffe & Son in Ferndown, Lesley Shand in Corfe Mullen and Blandford, Ives and Shand in Parkstone, James Smith in Swanage, and Albert Marsh in Wareham and Upton.
