The #BettyWhiteChallenge is inspired by the late TV star's life-long dedication to helping animal shelters and rescues.
If you adopt a dog this Monday, it just might come with the name of a famous Betty White character.
To honour White on what would have been her 100th birthday - on January 17 - the BC SPCA is naming some of its animals after her iconic TV characters like “Rose” from Golden Girls, “Sue-Ann” of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and “Elka” from Hot in Cleveland.
In addition to asking people to consider adoptions, the BC SPCA is also encouraging donations on the late star’s birthday.
Outside of her comedic TV career, Betty White was well-known for her love of animals, fundraising for shelters, and fighting for animal rights. She was a member of numerous animal foundations, and in 2017, White won the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal for her work supporting wildlife.
White passed away on New Year’s Eve, just 17 days shy of her 100th birthday celebration.
“Betty did so much to raise awareness about the value of animals in our society and was passionate about their care and protection,” says Lorie Chortyk, general manager of communications for the BC SPCA.
The #BettyWhiteChallenge has been trending on social media, encouraging people to donate $5 or more to a shelter of their choice. Animal rescues in Canada and the U.S. are expected to benefit on Monday, and since White’s passing on December 31, the BC SPCA has seen an influx of over $15,000 in her honour.
“As an adopter, foster parent, benefactor and advocate, Betty created a better world for animals and inspired others to do the same,” says Chortyk. “We are so grateful for her work on behalf of animals and the example she set for all of us.”
In addition to her countless comedies, Betty White has hosted a number of TV pet programs. In 2011, she published Betty & Friends: My Life at the Zoo, a scrapbook of animals she adored.
As a tireless foster mom to animals, White once owned 28 dogs at the same time.
If you would like to donate to the BC SPCA in honour of Betty White (or any other time), visit https://spca.bc.ca/donate/.