Animal organizations throughout North America have been receiving donations in memory of Betty White since her death Dec. 31 and the Guelph Humane Society (GHS) is no exception.
The GHS has received about a dozen donations in memory of the famed comedic actress and animal lover since then, and with what would have been White’s 100th birthday on the horizon, they’re got their fingers crossed for more.
“We don’t really have expectations, but we’re hopeful,” said Natalie Thomas, manager of marketing and communications.
“January is typically a really slow time of year for animal shelters,” she added of donations. “To see these donations coming in is really sweet. So many people have so many good things to say about Betty White and she did love animals, so obviously she holds a special place in our hearts.”
Soon after White’s death, the #BettyWhiteChallenge began circulating on social media, encouraging people to donate $5 each in her memory to an animal organization in their area on Jan. 17, which would have been White’s birthday.
Numerous shelters and other animal organizations have reported those donations are already rolling in.
While the challenge urges $5 donations, “the majority” of local contributions have been for $25, noted Thomas, though they have ranged overall between $5 and $50.
“We rely on people’s donations. We don’t get any money from government, so it’s really our community that keeps us going and doing the important work that we do,” said Thomas. “We’re appreciative of anything, every $5 donation that comes through.
“It can add up quickly.”
Spurred by the recent donations and interest among local supporters in the #BettyWhiteChallenge, GHS is planning to launch a version of its own. The effort, to be formally announced on Monday, seeks to enlist 100 new members of the Super Paws Club, made up of committed monthly donors.
The 100 new members is in recognition of White’s 100th birthday, Thomas noted.
White was well-known for her involvement with a number of animal charities and other organizations throughout her life.
In a 2009 interview with TV Guide, she said, “I've loved animals since I was in the womb. I was the lucky little girl who had parents who went for a walk and they'd come home with a dog or a cat. ‘He followed us home, Betty. Can we keep him?’”
Among the organizations to publicly mourn White’s death was American Humane, with which she’d been involved.
“For nearly a century, Betty White has been a tireless and devoted animal welfare advocate and we are proud to have known her for 70 years — longer than any other supporter in our history,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane president and CEO in a news release issued the day of her death. “Betty dedicated herself to protecting and improving the quality of life for animals worldwide. She has always been a one-of-a-kind phenomenon, and we are honoured to have known and worked with her during so much of her truly remarkable life.
“On behalf of the millions of animals whose lives you have touched, thank you, Betty!”
General donations to Guelph Humane Society can be made online at guelphhumane.ca/donate-online/, or via www.guelphhumane.ca/bettywhite for the local #BettyWhiteChallenge.
