The Orillia Animal Centre (OSPCA) has gotten a much-needed financial boost this week, and it’s all in the name of well-known animal lover and television star, Betty White.
White passed away on New Year’s Eve, just weeks short of her 100th birthday. In response, some have taken to social media to create The Betty White Challenge that encourages people to donate $5 to a local animal shelter or rescue in White's honour.
The Orillia OSPCA set up a donation spot outside of their centre yesterday, and it was busy for most of the day. The centre also received several phone donations and online donations. Currently, around $1,700 has been raised in Orillia.
“These donations are extremely crucial right now, especially due to COVID and not being able to host in-person fundraising events. When this came up it was definitely a blessing for the centre,” said OSPCA manager Carol Beard
“These funds will be used for animal care, off-setting our veterinary budget, food, vet bills, medications, and those sorts of things.”
Beard says White has certainly left her mark on communities all across the globe, and the impact of her legacy will be felt for years to come.
“I think no matter how old you are Betty White has come into your life in some kind of shape or form through television, movies or whatever it might be. She was always such a spark and well liked by everybody,” she said.
“This challenge just resonated with folks to help with what she loved the most, which was animals.”
The OSPCA is still taking donations, and you can do so by phoning, going online, or dropping by the centre on West Street, North.
