The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Christmas campaign can stay.

Crombie REIT, which owns the Avalon Mall, says it’s heard from the public and recognizes the impact the Salvation Army collection campaign at the mall has on the local community.

Suggestions that this was the last season the familiar red kettles would be seen in the mall went down like a lead balloon with people across the province calling VOCM Open Line to express their disappointment.

Salvation Army’s on the ground work recognized

Among them was Port aux Basques Mayor Brian Button whose community saw first-hand the impact the Salvation Army has had on the ground in the wake of Hurricane Fiona.

“They did so much tremendous work here” Button told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly. “We had the Salvation Army here in our community for those that were displaced, they were delivering three meals a day at one point.”

Crombie and the Avalon Mall say they have decided to continue to work with the Salvation Army for future holiday collections as well as other national and local organizations.

Here is Crombie REIT’s statement on the decision:

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. Crombie and Avalon Mall have decided to continue working with them for future holiday collections. Crombie is proud to continue to support a number of important national and local organizations that align with our community impact strategy, such as The United Way, Canadian Mental Health Association, First Light Friendship Centre, The Community Food Sharing Association, and others tackling food and shelter insecurity. We will continue to work with VOCM Cares as well on our annual Happy Tree campaign at Avalon Mall

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