Everyone should be able to organise a funeral for their loved one without the additional worry of whether they can pay.
But sadly that isn't the case. With a basic funeral with a cremation costing £3,885 or with a burial costing £5,033*, too many people find themselves struggling to say goodbye.
Some don't even have enough money to pay for the deposit - let alone a full funeral - and their loved one is left uncollected, lying in the morgue for months on end whilst their family desperately search for a funeral director who will proceed without a deposit.
Others are forced to take on a huge debt or payday loan they simply cannot afford to pay back.
Caledonia Cremation is a social enterprise funeral director and we have helped many of people in this position by providing a not-for-profit funeral PLUS emotional and practical support.
Some bereaved people qualify for the Scottish Government's Funeral Support Payment, but there are a great many who fall through the gaps; students, those on minimum wage or who earn enough money to pay their bills and little else. To support people in this position, we rely on the kindness of others.
#Gieitabye
So this September we ask - would you give up just one wee treat and donate that money to Caledonia Cremation so we can support those facing funeral poverty?
You could Gie it a bye for just one day this month, or one day a week or more if you are up to it - whatever you prefer! Every penny donated will help us support someone experiencing hardship.
It could be your morning coffee or roll, a takeaway lunch or your "one for the road" drink in the pub.
We aren't asking for big donations - anything from £3 upwards will help us to support others.
So will you Gie it a bye so someone else can say a loving goodbye?
*Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2021