A pair of Flin Flon-area animal care groups are flush with community donations after a worldwide donation drive in honour of actress Betty White.
The Betty White Challenge, which began last week, has led to a flurry of donations and funds raised for animal advocacy and care, shelters and similar groups. The challenge was popularized through a series of social media posts, celebrating what would have been the late Golden Girls’ star’s 100th birthday - Jan. 17. White, who died Dec. 31, was known for her love of animals and support for animal welfare charities and causes.
That challenge spread throughout the world, with millions of dollars donated to animal welfare causes in celebration of White’s life and work. That included a total of $3,215 in donations to the Flin Flon/Creighton and Area SPCA, which will be used to maintain the group’s shelter on Princess Boulevard by Highway 10. A total of 89 people and counting donated to the group and for the shelter.
The local SPCA chapter usually receives between $3,000 and $4,000 in donations per month, acting president Heather Walker-Lengyel said - “sometimes a bit less, sometimes a little more, but that is a fair ballpark amount,” she said.
“Our shelter operates strictly by donations and fundraising, as we are a registered charity.”
The drive meant the SPCA received about that much money in a matter of hours - a vital lifeline at a time where holding traditional fundraisers can be tough or even outright impossible.
“The thing is this was basically in a 24-hour day, not even a whole week - and look what the people did,” said Walker-Lengyel.
“I am always amazed with the level of support all the communities in this area provide to the non-profit organizations. The Betty White challenge was no different. People came together to honor an incredible human being in an equally incredible way.”
Another Flin Flon-based animal organization, North of 54 Frontline Dog Rescue, also received a surge in donations, receiving almost $4,000 in donations in a matter of days. Fifty-one people chipped in money for the rescue group.
“I am totally humbled by the outpouring of support for North of 54 Frontline Dog Rescue. Hugs and thanks to each and every one of our supporters,” reads a statement from North of 54 operator Gayle Yungwirth.
In total, more than a quarter of a million dollars was raised for various animal welfare charities in communities across Manitoba. That included $41,000 for the Winnipeg Humane Society and more donations for dozens of similar groups throughout the province, including large donations for organizations that travel to northern communities and pick up and foster stray and ill animals.
Walker-Lengyel hopes the donation campaign could become an annual tradition to honour the memory of the late actress and animal advocate.
“I can see this being an annual tribute to Ms. White, which all animal welfare foundations around the world will benefit from and unfortunately need,” she said.
The SPCA also saw a series of new adoptions of animals from their shelter, seeing three full adoptions and one trial adoption in the days since the challenge began.
