The world was shocked and saddened at the end of 2021 when Betty White passed away just weeks before her 100th birthday. Her immense fanbase is making sure her birthday is still something special by launching the #BettyWhiteChallenge online. 

The ‘Golden Girls’ actress was well known for her love of animals and the challenge is asking people to donate a minimum of five dollars to local animal shelters to celebrate her birthday on January 17, 2022. 

bettyThe challenge photo that has been shared thousands of times over social media

Lisa Kedian, Communications Coordinator for the Cochrane and Area Humane Society says the challenge has already taken off. “We've already started receiving donations, which is amazing! So far, we've received over $1,100 in donations. We've received a lot of donations that don't have anything written that it's an honor of Betty White, so we're not entirely sure, but there could be even more than that.”

“We're honored that people are donating on behalf of Betty, she was a real animal lover. She was known for her charitable work and her advocacy for animal causes. She dedicated a lot of a large portion of her life to caring for animals.”

While the online challenge is only asking for five dollars, one Cochrane organization has gone above and beyond. “ Cochrane Home Treasures, they are so good to everybody in the community. We absolutely love them and they showed up and they just donated $2,000 and we were so grateful. Thank you so much for that amazing organization.”

If you would like to participate in the #BettyWhiteChallenge and donations can be dropped off in person or made online here.