By Theresa Tan & Melissa Sim

CHARITIES pulled in big money last year, to the tune of $687 million, mainly from donations streaming in during the earlier part of the year, before the recession started pinching people's wallets.

The flow has since slowed, spelling lean times ahead even for big boys such as the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).

The annual report of the Commissioner of Charities showed donations to Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) climbing steadily, from $381 million in 2001 to $475 million in 2004 and $535 million in 2006.

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