A Scottish fire station has raised tens of thousands of pounds for us over the past four decades through its much‑loved annual plant sale.
Each year, East Kilbride Fire Station opens its doors to welcome the local community, offering a selection of plants supplied by the local garden centre.
And in recent years, the crew has expanded the event into a full open day, adding fun activities like a bouncy castle, face painting, CPR demonstrations, a vintage fire engine display, and a barbecue.
Matt Smith, who’s Crew Commander at the station, has worked there for 18 years. He says the plant sale was already a long‑standing tradition when he joined:
“The event has been running for more than 40 years, and the turnout still amazes us every time. When we had to cancel it during Covid, and again when the station was under maintenance, people were genuinely disappointed.”
He says the local garden centre, Reynard Garden Centre in Carluke, delivers lorry loads of bedding plants and shrubs on a sale‑or‑return basis:
“After the community buys what they want, half of the profits go to Fire Fighters Charity each year, and the other half supports local causes.”
Last year alone, the team donated around £7,700, half of which came to us – which Matt thinks must now bring their total contribution to Fire Fighters Charity to around £50,000 over the decades.
Although Matt hasn’t personally had support from Fire Fighters Charity, he says he’s seen the impact it’s had on others.
“It’s reassuring to know it could help me or my family one day too,” he adds.
If you’re interested in organising a fundraiser – on station or elsewhere – you can find out more here: