The tally reached $2,038,113 yesterday, with the $2 million milestone being passed a month ahead of schedule, project manager Irene Mosley said.
Launched 10 weeks ago, the campaign aims to raise $3 million to fund the Neurological Foundation Chair in Neurosurgery at the University of Otago.
As well as leading neurosurgery research at the university, the professor would be Dunedin Hospital's third neurosurgeon, ensuring a safe clinical service for the South.
Recent donations included the Alexander McMillan Trust ($75,000), the RSA Welfare Trust ($10,000), Lodge St Patrick No 468 Irish Constitution ($20,000), and more than $15,000 from Rotary clubs, the Neurological Foundation said in a statement.
"We're delighted to have reached the two-thirds target relatively quickly - and well ahead of schedule," campaign committee chairman Dr Brian McMahon said.
"It's a measure of the confidence of the people of Otago and Southland and their wish to have excellent neurosurgical services available to them.
"We're confident we'll reach the $3 million mark - particularly with more projects, such as Dunedin's Mitre 10 Mega Brain House and Southland initiatives, still to come."
The three-bedroom house, built by Certified Builders in Mitre 10 Mega's car park, will be auctioned next Saturday.
Otago University health sciences pro-vice-chancellor Prof Peter Crampton said the $2 million milestone was "significant".
"The people of Otago and Southland can take full credit for this fantastic achievement, especially as the $2 million mark has been reached in such a short period of time."
To give: Visit ANZ or National Bank
Internet banking, neurosurgery campaign - 06-0287-0133301-05
Visit www.chairofneurosurgery.org.nz
Post donations to Free Post 2064, PO Box 914, Dunedin 9054
