The neurosurgery fundraising campaign is a third of the way to its target, with just over $1 million raised.
The Neurological Foundation Chair in Neurosurgery campaign had raised $1,003,807 by yesterday afternoon, project manager Irene Mosley said.
Launched just over a week ago, the campaign aims to raise $3 million to hire a professor and set up a neurosurgery research unit at the University of Otago.
The professor would work as the third neurosurgeon at Dunedin Hospital, ensuring a safe level of staffing for the southern node of the South Island neurosurgical service.
Contributions were a mix of public and private donations, proceeds from the Milford Track appeal and corporate grants.
Mrs Mosley said one of the main avenues for the general public to contribute would be through the branded appeal envelopes to be delivered with Wednesday's editions of the Otago Daily Times and The Southland Times.
People were relishing the chance to back up the action taken in 2010 when the public campaign was undertaken to petition the Government to retain neurosurgery in Dunedin, she said.
The campaign team was hearing from many people who had benefited from neurosurgery, some dating back many years.
To give, visit a branch of ANZ or National Bank; any queries contact Irene Mosley on 477-4837 or 027-277-5631.
