Overview
- Berlin’s governing mayor told districts in a formal letter that the charity’s company cash pledges cannot proceed due to suspected pay‑to‑play or bribery.
- The 2026 drive was set for January 19 to February 5 in 11 of 12 districts, pairing 500 donated coffee packs with €2,500 from participating retailers for local cold‑aid services.
- Several business backers have now withdrawn their pledges; co‑initiator Michael Lind confirmed he pulled his donation after public accusations.
- Multiple districts say the coffee collection will go on without corporate money, including announcements from Neukölln, Tempelhof‑Schöneberg, Lichtenberg, Treptow‑Köpenick and Pankow.
- The prohibition followed legal concerns raised by Friedrichshain‑Kreuzberg and a recommendation to seek Senate approval that Wegner declined, as the chancellery says it is working on a legally compliant alternative.