THE team at MKM Building Supplies‘ Kirkcaldy branch is on course to take its fundraising total for Poppyscotland beyond £120,000, following nine years of supporting the Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Since 2017, the branch team has helped raise £104,700. Following another year of fundraising, including a special charity jersey auction supported by local ice hockey team Fife Flyers, the team believes it is on course to take the overall total beyond £120,000.
The efforts began when former branch director Ian Watson contacted Poppyscotland to request a collection box for the branch. When he discovered there was nobody available to organise local distribution that year, he and his team decided to step in and help. What started as a simple offer of support has grown into an annual commitment, with MKM Kirkcaldy acting as a local area organiser for the appeal.
Each year, the team helps distribute more than 400 collection boxes to businesses across the area, collects donations, and supports pop-up shops at local shopping centres and events. The branch also provides warehouse space to store poppies, collection boxes and merchandise, while its vehicles and building help raise awareness of the appeal.
This year’s fundraising received a boost thanks to Fife Flyers, who supported the Remembrance Sunday appeal with a special event at their home game. Players wore commemorative poppy jerseys, which were auctioned off after the match.
Barrie Stokes, Poppy Appeal organiser at MKM Kirkcaldy, said, “When we first got involved nine years ago, I don’t think any of us imagined we’d be sitting here having raised more than £100,000. It’s something we’re all really proud of, and it’s become a big part of what we do as a branch every year.
“We couldn’t do it without the brilliant support of local businesses and the people of Kirkcaldy who get behind us year after year. The support from Fife Flyers this weekend has been absolutely fantastic, and the jersey auction has given this year’s appeal a real boost. We’re so grateful to everyone who has played a part.”
While Ian Watson has since moved into a role within MKM’s central support team, the Kirkcaldy branch has continued the tradition, with colleagues coming together each year to support a cause close to their hearts.
Ian added, “Every single one of our MKM branches is committed to helping its local community, so when the opportunity to support such an incredible cause came up in Kirkcaldy, it was something the whole team felt driven to do. It is great to be able to put something back into the amazing work Poppyscotland does for those who have served and will continue to serve in our forces and their families.”
