OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor ([email protected]). This letter is urging people to honour the legacy of Betty White by making a donation today - her birthday - to support animals.
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To many of us, she was Sue Ann Nivens, the man-hungry “Happy Homemaker” on the Mary Tyler Moore Show. To others, she will be remembered as the ditzy Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls. Her comedic roles were varied. She was the consummate professional, and hilarious, in each and every role.
There was another role that Betty White played in real life. From her early childhood, she was an “animal nut”. She championed animal welfare her entire life including, among many other things, paying to relocate otters and penguins after Hurricane Katrina and personally sponsoring more than 30 health studies that improved health for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife.
Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO, has said of her, “In addition to her legendary status as an actress, comedian, and producer, Betty White has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to helping animals in need, including dedicated support for local shelters and animal welfare endeavours, fiercely promoting and protecting animal interests in her entertainment projects, and personally adopting many rescued animals.”
As you probably know, Betty White passed away on Dec. 31, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. The Betty White Challenge has been issued for her birthday, Jan. 17 (today).
To honour her, please consider donating $5, in her name, to a local rescue or animal shelter on that day. Check the hashtag #BettyWhiteChallenge on Instagram or Twitter.
Let’s remember her in a way that would mean so much to her and help animals at our local rescues and shelters as well!
W. Hollinger
Orillia
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