(Battlefords Humane Society/Facebook)

By Angela Brown

Community support

Betty White Challenge raises $7,000 for local humane society

Jan 19, 2022 | 3:05 PM

Local residents jumped on the bandwagon to pay tribute to Betty White for what would have been her 100th birthday this week by making donations to the Battlefords Humane Society.

The late actress and comedian passed away Dec. 31, 2021, just 17 days away from becoming a centenarian. For her birthday, people around the world encouraged everyone to donate to charities that benefit one of her biggest loves — animals.

As of Wednesday, so far just over $7,000 was donated by a total of 250 people to benefit the Battlefords Humane Society.

Shelter co-ordinator Michelle Spark said the response to the Betty White Challenge has been phenomenal.

“We’re overwhelmed with the support from our community,” she told battlefordsNOW. “It’s been amazing.”

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While Jan. 17 marked White’s official birthday, the humane society has seen donations keep coming in all week.

“Betty White would be proud!” the shelter posted on its Facebook Page.

People were offered a variety of ways to donate: in person, by phone, by etransfer to bhsdonations2019@gmail.com, online at www.battlefordshumanesociety.com or by text to BHS at 289-274-3780.

“We made it really easy for people to donate, so that made a huge difference on how much money we made I’m sure,” Spark said. “The donations ranged anywhere from $5 to $500.”

More donations are still trickling in in memory of Betty White.

“It’s all going for operations — the care of the animals, food, vet bills, and [other essential items],” Spark said.

The help came at a time when the shelter could benefit from more support to meet its operations expenses.

Spark said, similar to many other businesses, the shelter as a non-profit has struggled to raise funds during the pandemic, “so everything helps.”

She said having a challenge to pay tribute to Betty White was a wonderful idea.

“She did have a huge love for animals,” Spark said. “I thought it was a great way for people to honour her and keep her memory alive.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow