A longtime holiday tradition at Fairview Pointe Claire has ended.
The Lakeshore General Hospital and its volunteers are no longer allowed to wrap presents at the mall to raise money for the hospital foundation.
The Lakeshore's 22-year-old tradition of a gift wrapping kiosque has been replaced by a standardized service operated by Cadillac Fairview at all its malls including Fairview Pointe Claire.
The mall said in a statement to CJAD 800 that a portion of the proceeds - 20% - goes to Cadillac Fairview's charity partner, WE Canada that sponsors youth programs, adding the company doesn't profit from the service. The rest of the proceeds goes towards staffing and supplies.
The decision doesn't sit well with Beaconsfield resident Alexander Cook who's had his gifts wrapped by Lakeshore volunteers for about 20 years.
"It is nice to see your money go to an organization you know quite well," said Cook in an interview with CJAD 800.
"I don't quite understand why the Lakeshore had to get tossed."
The decision was blasted by some social media users, one calling it the "personification of corporate greed."
The Lakeshore said, no hard feelings - it told CJAD 800 it looked for another home for gift wrapping but that Fairview was the only major shopping hub in the area.
They added that they're extremely grateful for Cadillac Fairview's support over the past 22 years.
The gift wrap fundraiser netted the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation about $26,000 annually. The Lakeshore said the loss is partially made up by its other fundraisers.