Funeral celebrant: 30-40% of families request money not flowers

Following the story of a low-life thief who stole funeral donations intended for a four-year-old autistic boy farewelling his late father, Tom Elliott wanted to know if donations at funerals was becoming common practice.

“After looking at The Herald Sun funeral notices this afternoon, I would say one third of people asked for donations,” Tom said.

Registered funeral celebrant, Jenny Keddell, told Tom Elliott in her experience it’s about 30-40 per cent of families who request donations instead of flowers.

“Over the years I’ve noticed that it has increased as well,” she said.

“I think it’s a good thing, for people to be following the wishes of the person who passed away.”

Click PLAY below to hear the interview

At the funeral for 43-year-old father Shane, at an Avondale Heights church last Friday, a man was waiting and stole about $4000 cash from envelopes, intended for his son Kai.