ATHABASCA — In a testament to a woman who was universally loved, Albertans opened their wallets Jan. 17 and donated to animal shelters in memory of Betty White on what would have been her 100th birthday.
The Alberta SPCA did an unofficial tally collecting information from social media sites of humane societies and rescue organizations and posted on their Facebook page a rough total of almost $850,000 with more numbers coming in and included $70,000 received by local non-profit animal rescue SCARS.
Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) is an Athabasca and Edmonton-based charity working with foster homes to take in dogs and cats who otherwise are abandoned, surrendered, or rescued from undesirable situations.
“SCARS was overwhelmed with the wonderful response from supporters to the Betty White challenge,” said SCARS communications coordinator Lori Trudgeon in a Jan. 19 e-mail.
“Almost $70,000 had been donated by late in the afternoon on Jan. 18 with over 2,000 people generously participating.”
Trudgeon said the charity is thrilled with the support and plans to recognize the actress who passed away Dec. 31, 2021, just days ahead of her 100th birthday at her home in Los Angeles and who was a long-time animal rights advocate.
“We will honour the legendary Betty White by using these funds to continue our important programs to rescue animals in distress, intake and re-home unwanted pets, and improve pet wellness in communities through our Walls for Winter and Spay-Neuter-Return programs,” said Trudgeon.
SCARS shares many of its animal rescue stories on social media and its website where you can also find pets to adopt or follow TownandCountryToday.com to see regular updates on adoptable pets.
“We even named a mom and her litter in honour of Betty White,” she said.
The puppies are named after characters White played on TV and film like The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show or other notable connections like her married name of Ludden.
