MKM Kirkcaldy sets sights on £120,000 fundraising milestone after nine years supporting Poppyscotland

A simple request for a poppy collection box has grown into a nine-year commitment to supporting Scotland's Armed Forces community, with the team at MKM Kirkcaldy now hoping to take its fundraising total beyond £120,000 for Poppyscotland.

MKM Building Supplies, the UK’s leading independent builders' merchant, is celebrating the dedication of its Kirkcaldy branch, which has supported the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal since 2017.

Over the past nine years, the branch team has helped raise an impressive £104,700 for Poppyscotland, including over £8,000 during last year's appeal. Following another fantastic year of fundraising, including a special charity jersey auction supported by local ice hockey team Fife Flyers, the team now believes it is on course to take the overall total beyond £120,000.

It all 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 a major 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 further 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 to raise funds for Poppyscotland.

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.

“We were originally hoping to get past £110,000, but after such a brilliant weekend, we're now confident we can reach £120,000. It's a fantastic cause, and if we can play even a small part in helping Poppyscotland support our Armed Forces community, then that's something worth putting the effort in for.”

The branch's commitment to the appeal has also earned recognition locally. In 2019, MKM Kirkcaldy received an award for excellence in community engagement at the Fife Business Awards.

Although Ian 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.”

With the final total for the 2026 appeal due to be confirmed in February, the Kirkcaldy team is hoping another year of generous support from local businesses and residents will see them reach their biggest fundraising milestone yet.