It is up from last year’s collection of $29,400, and when added to the $16,175 raised at the appeal launch and collected from business partners, it will bring Orange’s total to $52,800.

Salvation Army captain Tahlia Grounds praised the resolve volunteers showed to turn up on the icy Sunday morning to ensure a successful campaign.

“There were four areas in town that we didn’t get to. We missed out on money from Clifton Grove, because the regular volunteers who do it every year were away. One of those areas we decided we weren’t going to because most of our doorknockers are students and we have to look after their safety,” Captain Grounds said.

While this year’s campaign did not reach the target of $60,000, Captain Grounds was still pleased by the generosity of  Orange residents.

“Financially, giving was down in most areas, which is an indication that people are falling on tough times. For example, one part in Glenroi we have previously got $400 from 200 houses, but that was down to $200 this year. Overall we have done well because we managed to cover more areas,” she said.

In Bathurst, the appeal resulted in just $6500 being donated, down significantly on last year’s total of $12,700.

Students made up the majority of volunteers, with 308 of the 322 doorknockers from high schools, something she attributed to increasing media coverage given to the plight of the disadvantaged.

“They’re generally seeing more disadvantaged people in the media, it’s something that’s becoming more common in knowledge, and they want to help.”

The money will be sent to the Salvation Army’s national pool of funds to be distributed to drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres, women’s and children’s shelters and shelters for the homeless.