The Salvation Army has blamed a combination of tough economic times around Australia and poor weather locally for a fall in the money raised through its annual Red Shield Appeal Doorknock.
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Australians donated $6.1 million to the appeal at the weekend, about 6 per cent less than in 2012.
Canberrans gave $178,479, a decrease of 9 per cent on last year.
Salvos captain Dale Murray said 1030 volunteers doorknocked just over half of Canberra homes on the weekend, more than in 2012.
But people were home at less than half the houses they visited.
"When it was foggy during the weekend a lot of people were sleeping in and enjoying the weather, they weren't answering their doors which is understandable, and also when the weather did fine up they went out and enjoyed the afternoon that Canberra had to offer," he said.
Mr Murray remained confident the Salvos could raise its goal of $245,000 over the coming weeks.
To donate, visit salvos.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).
