By Rob Paul

When Betty White died on December 31, it was a big hit to the animal activism community.

The beloved star of The Golden Girls was a passionate animal activist and was set to celebrate her 100th birthday on January 17.

To honour White and her love for animals, the Betty White Challenge (#bettywhitechallenge) was born.

People across North America participated in the challenge by donating $5 to local animal welfare and rescue groups.

Across Canada, organizations raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through the challenge.

Some of the major animal welfare organizations saw huge donation numbers: the Ontario SPCA & Humane Society ($120,000), the BC SPCA ($400,000), the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society ($121,000), the Nova Scotia SPCA ($78,000) and the Winnipeg Humane Society ($41,000). 

Caledon's Animal Shelter also saw a spike in donations as people showed their love for both White and animals. 

“The Caledon Animal Shelter has received several donations in honour of Betty White, worth approximately $400. We would like to thank the donors for their generosity,” said Tony Maxwell, Communications Advisor for the Town of Caledon.

To make a donation to the animal shelter, people can send a cheque payable to the Town of Caledon; to Caledon Animal Services, 12889 Coleraine Drive, Bolton, ON L7E 3B5.

They can also drop off a donation to the animal shelter located at 12889 Coleraine Drive. Donations are also accepted by telephone.