Despite the recession, the amount of the Richmond Shilling, distributed annually to Dunedin Hospital patients at Christmas, has increased this year.
More than 220 patients will each receive $7.50, compared to the $7 paid out on each of the two previous years.
The Richmond Shilling has been distributed to patients since 1934, the result of a bequest from James Richmond, who was proprietor of Richmond's Scotia Hotel.
This will be the 30th year Murray Bell, who administers the Healthcare Otago Charitable Trust which manages the bequest, has been responsible for the distribution.
Mr Bell said the amount to be distributed had never decreased, but it had sometimes remained the same from year to year.
"We didn't expect it to go down this year, but we were surprised we were actually able to increase it."
The trust received a little outside help to maintain the tradition and that was increased this year.
That, combined with some accumulated income from previous years, meant there was a little more to go around.
Mr Bell said it was hard to know before Christmas Day exactly how many patients would receive the gift.
Most were distributed on Christmas Eve, but usually about 30 patients were admitted on the day.
Money from the bequest is also used to support Christmas festivities at Wakari Hospital.
