Otago people had responded strongly to concerns recently voiced about a $300,000 funding shortfall and the possibility the number of beds could have to be reduced because of insufficient funding, hospice officials said.
"They are fantastic and they rose to the challenge," funding and marketing co-ordinator Lyn Chapman said about the public response.
Some further funding from centres outside Dunedin had yet to be included, and would further boost the street appeal total.
Further funds, amounting to about $21,000, which were raised by the Classic Hits radio breakfast team and through an auction at the Outback Inn, Dunedin, were likely to further increase overall fundraising on appeal day to about $80,000, she said.
More than $33,400 was raised in central Dunedin in the street appeal, up from about $24,000 last year, $3616 in Mosgiel ($2439 previously) and $4513 in Wanaka, up more than $1000 on last year.
Hospice organisers were "extremely appreciative" of the support provided by Freemasons, who, with the backing of other community groups, had provided many street appeal collectors throughout Otago over the past 10 years, she said.
Several factors had contributed to the recent success, including more pleasant weather on collection day this year.
However, despite the good response, hospice organisers still had "grave concerns" about the funding, she said.
Hospice chief executive Ginny Green has said the government funding the hospice received was inadequate.
