A group of Waikouaiti women have helped boost the Neurological Foundation Chair in Neurosurgery appeal to $2.3 million.
The "Blue Ribbon Girls" were founded in Waikouaiti four years ago by Thelma Hoskins, Lorraine David, Judy Irving, Margaret Hamilton, June Craigie and Adrienne Mason to raise funds for worthy projects.
"Every year, we work to raise some money for a particular cause.
"We've raised around $800 each for brain injury and prostate cancer in the last couple of years," Mrs Hoskins said yesterday.
"The neurosurgery appeal is important to everyone. So, we've been selling apples and have raised $1550 so far"
The appeal, with a $3 million target, had climbed to $2,303,430.50 yesterday.
The campaign had received a boost after it was launched in Southland in May, project manager Irene Mosley said yesterday.
"Since the launch, Southland has really come on board and giving has increased markedly.
"Once people understand just what this project is all about, they are right behind it," she said.
"We have also seen an increase in community groups and organisations getting stuck in and holding their own fundraisers to help us along.
"We are very pleased with this current result, and are confident with ongoing public support we can achieve our goal of $3 million raised within this calendar year."
