Betty White campaign raises hundreds of thousands for B.C. animal rescue groups
Penny Stone's email inbox is bursting at the seams.
“Another $100 for Betty White,” said the executive director of the Victoria Humane Society on Monday.
The society received donations ranging from $5 to $500 on Monday.
“I just donated $90,” said Maria Fedrigo, after she made her donation at the Victoria Humane Society.
“It’s for a good cause,” said Fedrigo. “Betty White, she was a trooper.”
The donations were coming in on what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday.
The #BettyWhiteChallenge on social media asked everyone to donate $5 to a local animal rescue organization, in the name of the award-winning actress and tireless animal advocate.
White died on New Year’s Eve after suffering a stroke a few days earlier.
“I think she’s an animal super hero,” said Stone.
“I donated $5,” said Wendy Yue, after she made her donation at the Victoria branch of the BC SPCA.
“The donations have been incredible so far,” said Larissa Johnston, assistant manager for the Victoria branch.
The money hasn’t yet been tallied yet locally, but provincially the BC SPCA has been keeping track of the numbers.
“The organization set a $30,000 goal and by about 11 a.m. on Monday they were already around $25,000,” said Johnston.
By 4 p.m., the number had climbed to $220,000.
“I’d say that we have had well over 50 donations that have come in this morning already,” said Joyce Lee, office administrator of the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington, B.C.
The centre helps ill, injured and orphaned wildlife of all types.
Lee believes White would have been happy to know her influence is helping wild animals as well.
“I’m sure that if she had a chance to come here, she would have loved it,” said Lee. “She would have loved all our black bears and our raptors that are here.”
Millions of dollars were expected to be raised by the campaign for animal rescue organizations across North America by the end of the day Monday.
Some of those agencies have a message for White if she's out there.
“Happy birthday Betty White and thank you for everything you’ve done for animals,” said Johnston.
“Thank you,” said Lee.
“I think she’s up there smiling, laughing, having a great time and thinking this is what she wanted,” said Stone. “She worked hard for animal charities.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.