Betty White challenge leads to $15,000 in donations to local animal shelter

Donations in memory of Betty White have been pouring in for the Regina Humane Society.

Monday marked what would have been the beloved actress’ 100th birthday. She died on New Year’s Eve following complications of a stroke she had on Christmas Day.

In life, she was a huge advocate for animal welfare. Across the world, people are donating to their local shelters to honour her, now known as the Betty White Challenge.

Bill Thorn, the director of marketing and public relations at the Regina Humane Society, was shocked to see the amount of cash coming in.

As of Monday afternoon, they had received more than $15,000 in donations.

“It really has been amazing. We’re absolutely blown away,” he said.

He knew about the movement beforehand, but he was still shocked to see that big number.

“Typically in a week … We might see anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 in a good week,” he explained.

Thorn believes it’s a great way to honour the life and legacy of an actress who many loved.

“It really has been amazing. What Betty White meant to people and how they want to make the world a better place in her honour, and that people have chosen the Regina Humane Society to do that,” he continued.

The shelter sees about 3,000 animals every year. It’s not cheap to take care of them, so the money is very appreciated.

“Every one of them has a story, every one of them needs care on some level. Some, not so much, some, a whole lot. These donations will help us look after those animals,” he said.

So, what exactly will the money go towards?

“These are general donations that will go to purchase food. We have a lot of cats in our care still, even this time of year when generally those numbers are down, we’re still seeing quite a few come in. It’ll go for medical care for animals come in that have been injured or are ill or have been abused or are neglected. We never know what we’re going to see day-to-day. Having those funds in place will help ensure that we’re there and able to look after those animals when they need us most,” he concluded.