The Salvation Army is allowed back in the Avalon Mall, following backlash against mall owners

The Salvation Army annual kettle fundraiser has introduced debit machines for cashless donations. (CBC - image credit)
The Salvation Army annual kettle fundraiser has introduced debit machines for cashless donations. (CBC - image credit)
The Salvation Army annual kettle fundraiser has introduced debit machines for cashless donations.
The Salvation Army annual kettle fundraiser has introduced debit machines for cashless donations.

The Salvation Army will be allowed to fundraise in the Avalon Mall as part of its annual kettle campaign for 'future holiday collections,' said Crombie REIT in an emailed statement late Wednesday afternoon. (CBC)

The Salvation Army will be able to fundraise in the Avalon Mall as part of its annual kettle campaign for "future holiday collections," said Crombie REIT in an emailed statement late Wednesday afternoon.

The announcement comes a day after CBC News reported that Crombie REIT, the real estate investment trust company that owns the Avalon Mall, said it would not allow the Salvation Army to fundraise in the Avalon Mall past the 2024 holiday season.

"We have heard from members of the community, and recognize the local impact that the Salvation Army collection campaign at Avalon Mall delivers each holiday season," said Crombie REIT spokesperson Elizabeth Engram in an emailed statement.

"Crombie and Avalon Mall have decided to continue working with them for future holiday collections."

Crombie REIT previously told CBC News it wouldn't allow the Salvation Army to fundraise in the Avalon Mall because it updated its "community impact strategy" and will no longer be partnering with any organizations affiliated with religion.

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

The Salvation Army has raised money in the Avalon Mall through its kettle campaign for numerous years. It says the money raised goes toward things such as its food banks and soup kitchens, as well as school supplies, coats and toy hampers.

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