Rose Nylund, Bea Sigurdson, Ann Douglas, all iconic TV show characters played by American actress and comedian, Betty White. With a career spanning over eight decades, the world was saddened by Betty’s unexpected death on Dec. 31st. 

Starring in at least 27 movies and acting in numerous television sitcoms, most notably The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls. Betty was a well known actress around the world, and loved by many. After Betty’s passing, fans around the world honored White’s birthday by contributing towards a special cause, which turned into the “Betty White Challenge.” 

The challenge encouraged people to donate five dollars to any local or national animal shelter, rescue, or agency in Betty White’s name before or on Jan. 17th. White had been known as an animal lover throughout her life. In 1971, she created and hosted a weekly TV show called, “The Pet Set,” where celebrities would drop by with their pets. 

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) provided it’s supporters and donors with constant updates via social media on the amount raised from the challenge. Within minutes, the organization was able to raise thousands of dollars. BC SPCA’s senior protection officer, Eileen Drever, told Global News that they had raised a total of $220,000 dollars by Monday afternoon. 

The organization was able to raise as much as $405,439 dollars by the end of the challenge. Many associations and organizations raised thousands upon thousands of dollars under White’s name.