Betty White challenge brings in some big bucks for local animal charities

A global effort to honour the life of Betty White has resulted in some big donations to local animal charities on what would have been the actress and noted animal lover's one-hundredth birthday.

White died on Dec. 31, just weeks before her milestone birthday. Many suggested donations to animal charities on her Jan. 17 birthday, dubbing it the 'Betty White Challenge.'

The actress is best known for her role on the 1980s sitcom The Golden Girls, along with numerous other television and movie credits, including The Betty White Show, a daytime talk show which often included animal segments.

Donations have been made in White's memory using the hashtag #BettyWhiteChallenge.

Over $9,000 in donations came in to the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society by way of a web page put up for the occasion, said manager Cindy Ross by email.

"Betty White has left a legacy that has helped countless animals all around the world and we look forward to hearing the #BettyWhitechallenge stories from other humane societies and animal shelters," said Ross. "To say we  are humbled today by the generosity of our community is an understatement."

"I hope her family and friends take comfort and find hope in the impact her life has had on animals in need," she added.

A $2,000 cheque was presented to the humane society on Monday from the team at the Sault Ste. Marie Animal Clinic to help jumpstart the campaign.

"We couldn’t think of a better time to present our chequue for $2,000 to the shelter than on Betty White’s Birthday," said a post on the business' Facebook page.

The company donated an additional $500 to rescue operation Northern Critters in Need.