By Chris Brown

'Betty, you rock'

Thousands of dollars donated to local animal rescues in Betty White Challenge

Jan 18, 2022 | 2:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – People opened their hearts and their wallets yesterday to pay tribute to a beloved star and support groups that were near and dear to her heart.

Betty White would have turned 100 on Monday, Jan. 17. Unfortunately, the Golden Girl passed away on Dec. 31.

The idea of the Betty White Challenge exploded on social media days later, encouraging people to donate to local animal rescues in honour of the late star. White was a well known as an animal activist and was especially devoted to dogs.

De Seaton, president of the Southern Alberta Humane Society, says since late last week they’ve received close to $3,000 from more than 200 donations marked for the Betty White Challenge.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

4h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner

Dec 06, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

CHAT News producer makes 'emotional' return to Medicine Hat's old arena

Dec 06, 2024

The speed at which donations came in yesterday caught her by surprise.

“I thought maybe a few donations maybe maxxing a couple hundred dollars. I had no idea,” she says.

Most of the donations came from locals, Seaton says, but some came from people in B.C. and the U.S.

She says many of them had personal messages to Betty White

“One person said ‘Betty, you rock,’ others were telling how much they loved her and what they thought of her and how she was the most wonderful animal advocate,” says Seaton. “It was like they were really talking to her.”

She says what the Betty White Challenge has done for all rescues is phenomenal.

“She would I’m sure be so happy with this result. It’s just amazing.”

The donations will help SAHS pay vet bills, buy pet food and items needed for foster homes like bedding and toys.

Other local animal rescues also benefitted from yesterday’s outpouring of support.

The final tally of donations to the local SPCA was $3,920, says shelter director Tom Carney.

Persian Dreams and Canine Themes anticipates about $2,500 will be donated to it for the Betty White Challenge by the end of the week, which vice president Denise Devoe says is beyond incredible.

“We cannot express enough how grateful we are to the community for their support, not only the Medicine Hat community, but we received donations from all over Canada,” she tells CHAT News. “If only Betty, herself, could have seen this global movement in her honour and know what her legacy did to help rescue animals around the world. Her family must be so proud to see such generosity continue in her name.”

APARC also took part in the challenge but hasn’t provided an update yet.

Central Alberta’s Saving Grace Animal Society says it raised more than $83,000 in the Betty White Challenge.