Funeral Partners transforms parlors for local charities

Funeral service provider Funeral Partners has transformed its parlours throughout the country with decorations and memory trees to support local charities in the run-up to Christmas. The company, which has more than 200 branches across the UK, said the inspiration for the revamp was to show local communities “some festive cheer” during Covid-19. For example, Torbay and District Funeral Service in Torquay, created a “festive display” in its front window which encourages donations of food to Feed a Child Torbay, the charity fighting child hunger in the region, as well as collecting advent calendars for ‘Sanctuary Safe Housing’, which shelters children in danger. Mark Carr, funeral director at Torbay and District, said: “We received over 300 advent calendars from families and passers-by which went towards less fortunate children. “Many people were feeling down due to the Covid-19 outbreak and may not have felt like decorating their own homes, so I think our vibrant display encouraged a festive and giving mood.” In addition John Nodes Funeral Service, North Kensington, decked its reception area with tinsel and baubles along with pictures and information about London Air Ambulance to help raise money for the charity. Robin Taylor-Jones, funeral director at John Nodes, said: “We unfortunately see the London Air Ambulance fly over here regularly, so we know how needed they are. “We had QR codes in our windows so people could seamlessly donate to the charity from their phones. It really helped make fundraising possible amidst social distancing restrictions.” Thomas Bragg and Sons, Solihull, also held its annual Christmas memorial service with Shirley Parish on YouTube this year to let families safely unite and “remember those who are no longer with us”. The service, conducted by Revd Paul Day, featured a rendition of O Holy Night by Masonry Support Coordinator Kayleigh Hughes and on-screen hymns for friends and family to sing along to at home, as well as a reading by civil celebrant Suzi Lauder Victoria Fallon, funeral director at Thomas Bragg and Sons, said: “Loss can be difficult to cope with at this time of year, so we were delighted to continue a tradition that people have told us is very comforting for them.”