MKM Kicks Off 2025 ‘Check Your Tools’ Campaign

MKM is teaming up with The OddBalls Foundation, Toolbank, and DeWalt to raise awareness of testicular cancer - encouraging tradies and the public to ‘talk tackle’ and stay informed.

MKM is purposefully stepping back into a pair of signature pants for the fourth year of its ‘Check Your Tools’ campaign. In partnership with The OddBalls Foundation, Toolbank, and DeWalt, the builders’ merchant is raising awareness of testicular cancer among tradespeople and encouraging tradies and the public to ‘talk tackle’ with pop up events across several sporting events during April. 

New pants. Bigger plans. Same important message.

This year’s campaign officially kicks off on 1st April, coinciding with the start of Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, and promises to be bigger, bolder, and more ballsy than ever before, thanks to a bumper month of activations, giveaways, and social content.

In a nod to MKM’s 30th anniversary and roots as a ’90s-born business, the 2025 campaign features a limited-edition retro-style design of MKM-branded OddBalls underwear. Customers and sporting fans alike will be able to snap up a pair after making a £3 donation in branch, online or at select events through the OddPod - The OddBalls Foundation’s pop-up education and engagement unit.

Match day madness: Hull City and Hull KR support Check Your Tools

MKM is stepping things up this April with four lively match day appearances across Hull City and Hull KR games as part of the ‘Check Your Tools’ campaign. Expect a mix of giveaways, football challenges, and special moments that get fans talking about testicular cancer - and checking their tools.

Look out for the OddPod - The OddBalls Foundation’s pop-up education and donation hub - at two of the fixtures, helping fans learn more and bag a pair of the bold new boxers in exchange for a £3 donation.

11 April – Hull KR vs Wigan Warriors (OddPod at Craven Streat)
12 April – Hull City vs Coventry City
21 April – Hull City vs Preston North End (OddPod fan zone outside stadium)
26 April – Hull City vs Derby County

Standing tall at 6’5”, MKM’s legendary mascot Bricky will be on the road again—starring in campaign content, popping up at activations, and generally making a (brick-shaped) impact wherever he goes. MKM will also be marking Superhero Pant Day on 25 April, with Bricky front and centre on social media. Last year’s campaign reached over 250,000 people via MKM’s social platforms.

Nicola Ollett, MKM’s Marketing Director, said:

“The ‘Check Your Tools’ campaign is all about breaking down stigma, getting people talking, and helping our customers look after themselves in a way that feels fun, bold, and unmissably MKM. We’re proud to be going even bigger for 2025 - and we can’t wait to see Bricky back in action.”

Kieran Kelly, Foundation Manager at The OddBalls Foundation, added:

“The ‘Check Your Tools’ campaign has become a vital awareness driver for testicular cancer in the trades and beyond, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going with new events, content and partnerships this April. Testicular cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in men aged 15-49, with around 2,400 new cases diagnosed in the UK each year – that’s roughly six men every day. Through MKM’s branches, partnerships, and suppliers, we’re able to reach a huge number of the people most likely to be affected.”

Aimee Cooper, Senior eCommerce & Digital Manager at DeWalt commented:

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with MKM for a 4^th year running. Last year’s collaboration was such a success, showing us how this campaign is instrumental in raising awareness for tradesmen nationwide to #CheckYourTools. After seeing the results from 2024, we are committed to expanding the campaign even bigger this year, leveraging our DEWALT audience to encourage them to get involved also. Watch out for ‘Bricky’ making an appearance across our social media channels soon!”

Find out more here.

Source : MKM

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