With the economy slowly recovering, about 80 percent of companies may increase salaries for their employees. However, social welfare groups say they are not experiencing the same kind of fortune, but are actually encountering a drop in money donors. According to the stats, the foundations in the south are short of funds, with some only meeting 10 percent of their target.

The leader of this local chapter of a social welfare group holds a name list and dials one phone number after another, hoping to raise money for elderly people living alone.

This year they are hoping to continue their work, as Lunar New Year is just one month away and fundraising for an end of year banquet has been less than ideal.

Foundation statistics show that Kaohsiung City fundraising has only achieved 30% of target, and Kaohsiung County and Pingtung areas has only achieved 10% in the townships and villages.

While the economy is coming back this year, the compassion of people has dropped, and many NGOs are worried.

Formerly, Kaohsiung County's Association of Spinal Cord Injury established a mailbox and chop workshop production studio, though in the past 2 to 3 years, the number of orders have only been in the single digits.

Fortunately, the merger of Kaohsiung City and County, and the change of address for many will mean that the association has received more orders in the past few days.

However, those that sell other goods many not be so lucky.

Still, they hope to look forward to next year with a belief that others will contribute more.