Alberta Animal Rescues Benefit From #BettyWhiteChallenge | The Canadian News

Local animal rescue organizations say they are already benefiting from an initiative inspired by the late Hollywood icon Betty White.

The avid animal lover died on December 31, 2021, just a couple of weeks before her 100th birthday.

As a way to honor the beloved actress in what would have been her centennial celebration on January 17, the #BettyWhiteChallenge came up.

The social media powered challenge encourages people to donate $ 5 or more to their local animal shelter or rescue on January 17.

The late actress was known for her advocacy for animal causes and spent much of her time raising money for shelters and animal rights organizations.

While the challenge’s official date is still a few days away, animal rescue organizations in Alberta say they have already seen an increase in donations.

“Most of the people have been donating funds online or have received a couple of donation checks,” said Deanna Thompson, executive director of the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society.

“We also found out an hour ago that one of our donors will match donations for the #BettyWhiteChallenge up to $ 1,000. So at $ 5 each, 200 people will earn another $ 1,000 to help homeless animals.

“So it was very exciting news that we received from our donor.”

The executive director of the Edmonton Humane Society said they, too, have already seen several people making donations in White’s honor.

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“It really means a lot to us,” Liza Sunley said, adding that about 70 percent of the income generated each year at EHS comes from donations.

“We are very excited to see these donations in honor of Betty White and we hope they continue to come in and grow.”

EHS has a personal connection to White.

In 2011, the actor filmed a commercial for an animal welfare foundation with a dog named Yogi. Through an organization called California Cuties, the dog ended up being transferred to Edmonton from California and adopted through EHS.

“It’s a very interesting kind of connection that we have with Betty White,” Sunley said. “We have felt the support of Betty White and her presence for some time.”

Both organizations rely heavily on donations to do the work they do and say the increased funding could not have come at a better time.

“In January we see a big drop in donations,” Thompson said. “Around Christmas it’s pretty good and after January 1 we don’t see much of anything, so it will be a very good advantage for us.

“The funds will go to help so many animals. We are full of dogs right now here at the shelter, there are so many animals in need. With this cold weather, we are trying to get in as many as we can.

“It will really help ensure that we can rescue more animals.”

“It was really moving for the people and it has certainly been moving for us to receive the donations and to hear from the people who have been touched by her,” Sunley added.

“We depend so much on the community and we are so grateful that they continue to support our work for so long. And it means a lot to see these donations arrive. We depend a lot on donations to do the work we do and therefore every dollar, every donation that comes in really means a lot to us. “

Both organizations accept donations online. For more information visit the AARCS or EHS websites