DORVAL - Call it a case of all's well that ends well.
Two Montreal shopping malls tried to restrict poppy sales, but under pressure, both have now backed down.
It began when the Dorval Gardens Shopping Centre initially told George Magna, Dorval Legion Poppy Chairman, that the Legion would only be able to sell poppies in the mall for three days – not the usual two weeks.
As a result the Legion went to individual anchor stores in the mall and asked for permission to set up tables there -- and The Bay and the Royal Bank agreed.
That's all changed now, because on Wednesday morning mall administrators had a change of heart, and apologized to the union, saying the disagreement was just a misunderstanding, and the Legion will be allowed to sell poppies starting this Friday.
"We're very sorry for that situation. It's a total misunderstanding and it should have never happened," said Pierre Bouchard, Les Jardins Dorval spokesperson.
Second mall changes tune
Meanwhile, another Montreal mall, the Alexis Nihon Plaza, was also set to restrict poppy distribution.
At first, they refused to speak to CTV news about the issue.
But Wednesday evening, mall management decided to give the vets their full support in this year's poppy campaign.
$30,000 last year
Last year the Dorval branch of the Legion raised $30,000 through its poppy campaign.
George Magna says that money is given to veterans in need.
"Some are disabled, need extra things and this and all that, wheelchairs and this and all that," said Magna.
Veterans can also count on charity if they need extra funds for lodging or food.
