The Salvation Army may return to the Avalon shopping center after backlash against mall owners

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

The Salvation Army will be able to raise funds at the Avalon Shopping Center as part of its annual 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 Avalon Mall, said wouldn’t allow it Salvation Army to raise money at Avalon Shopping Center during 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 has every holiday season,” Crombie REIT spokeswoman Elizabeth Engram said in an emailed statement.

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

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

The decision was met with a backlash online from people expressing support for The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has been raising money at the Avalon Shopping Center for many years as part of its kettle campaign. He says the money raised will go to causes such as food banks and soup kitchens, as well as school supplies, coats and toy hampers.

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