The Salvation Army is allowed back in the Avalon Mall after backlash against retailers

On By Pranco

A round bowl filled with money.
The Salvation Army may raise money at the Avalon Mall as part of its annual cauldron campaign for “future holiday collections,” Crombie REIT said in an emailed statement late Wednesday afternoon. (CBC)

The Salvation Army will be able to raise money at the Avalon Mall as part of its annual cauldron campaign for “future holiday collections,” Crombie REIT said in an emailed statement late Wednesday afternoon.

The announcement comes a day after CBC News reported that Crombie REIT, the real estate investment trust that owns the Avalon Mall, said it wouldn’t allow it the Salvation Army to raise money at the Avalon Mall after the 2024 holiday season.

“We have heard from community members and recognize the local impact that The Salvation Army’s fundraising campaign at Avalon Mall provides each holiday season,” Crombie REIT spokesperson Elizabeth Engram said in an emailed statement.

“Crombie and Avalon Mall have decided to continue working with them on future holiday collections.”

Crombie REIT previously told CBC News it would not allow The Salvation Army to raise money at the Avalon Mall because it has updated its “community impact strategy” and will no longer work with organizations affiliated with religion.

The decision received online backlash from those expressing their support for the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has been raising money at the Avalon Mall for years through its kettle campaign. It says the money raised will go to things like food banks and soup kitchens, as well as school supplies, coats and toy baskets.

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push notifications for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily news newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.