Local animal shelters benefited from the Betty White Challenge that was held on Monday (Jan 17) in honour of her 100th birthday.
White was known to be an advocate for animals and it was the main focus of her charity work.
The North West Animal Shelter in Smithers received at least $6,182 through Canada Helps, but it does not include cash donations provided directly to the animal shelter.
Two local businesses, Pro-tech Forest Resources Ltd. and Silverking Helicopters assisted in raising money with matching donations up to $1,000.
According to The Lakes Animal Friendship Society in Burns Lake, they did not have a promotion for the Betty White Challenge but they worked with organizations that participated in the challenge.
Volunteer Alistair Schroff said they knew White was an animal lover so in honour of her birthday they sent her a care package in December.
“It had included a handmade dog blanket that the students in Granisle made as a part of our dog shelter program, and some of our books featuring the local kids and their activities as well,” he said.
Schroff added that her agent received the package on December 23 and the organization is hoping she got to see it.
He also said he is happy that people are taking actions for the animals within their community.
“It comes back to sort of a general principle of think globally act locally so, it’s nice to see people act inspired by things happening, in this cases Betty’s love for animals and her support of animal causes and taking it and saying well I can do those things in my own community as well,” Schroff said.
The NWAS could not be reached in time for publication for totals that were received on Monday (Jan 17).
Any funding received will support local animals within the region.