Since last Monday, another five teams had signed for the Dunedin Relay for Life on February 19, with 95 now registered.
Last time, in 2009, 120 teams took part.
Mr Kernaghan told the Otago Daily Times last week the fundraiser was especially important, as demand for services had increased.
The society could face a loss of between $200,000 and $300,000 this year, and financial pressure might force it to trim some services.
Yesterday he said the publicity prompted a "very positive response", with many phone calls from concerned members of the public, and groups, getting in touch.
It was a difficult time for fundraising given the economic downturn, but people were keen to help.
As well as the relay, another fundraiser was now on the drawing board.
Mr Kernaghan hoped to be able to reveal details in the next week, provided the society decided to go ahead with it.
All he could say was the "unique" idea was "Dunedin-related".
Dunedin North Rotary member Gaynor Haig registered a team yesterday after seeing the report of lack of interest.
The club had not entered a team before, despite an attempt last time.
Mrs Haig was leader of the 12-strong team, which she hoped to increase to 15.
The club would also run a sausage sizzle on the day, adding the proceeds to the team's contribution.
All members of the team had been touched in some way by cancer, she said.
