#BettyWhiteChallenge brings $4,400 to Humane Society

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This article was published 03/02/2022 (1509 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Donations pouring in to honour Betty White provided the Brandon Humane Society with an unexpected funding boost in January.

The non-profit saw about $4,400 in donations in January honouring the late actress, Humane Society executive director Tracy Munn said. There could be more since not all donations came with a message stating their tie to White.

“It’s amazing, it just goes to show how wonderful people are,” Munn said.

The #BettyWhiteChallenge launched after White’s death on Dec. 31. The campaign encouraged people to donate $5 to their local animal rescue organization in her name on Jan. 17, which would have been the TV and movie star’s 100th birthday, as a virtual tribute.

White was known as a tireless lifetime advocate for animals, from caring for those without homes to launching her weekly TV show “The Pet Set,” dedicated to her celebrity friends and pets. She was also involved with the animal welfare organization, American Humane, for more than six decades. In 2012, the organization honoured her with its highest award, the National Humanitarian Medal.

It has been amazing to see how White has inspired donations to animal shelters across the province and country, bringing in funds to support the care of animals in need, Munn said. The Winnipeg Free Press reported the Winnipeg Humane Society brought in around $40,000 in donations in honour of White, and Manitoba Underdogs Rescue had $18,000 in donations linked to the challenge

Munn said they noticed a slight uptick in donations at the Brandon Humane Society when White’s death was first reported, and the wave of funds from the community continued to grow, culminating on her birthday.

While the #BettyWhiteChallenge encouraged people to make $5 donations, Munn said, the majority of donations from the Westman community to the Humane Society ranged between $25 and $100.

“It’s good for January because this is our slow month,” Munn said.

Overall operations of the shelter cost about $250,000 annually. This includes a water bill sitting around $25,000, veterinarian bills of more than $50,000 and other expenses.

The donations and tributes spurred by White’s death also launched an important conversation when it comes to understanding what it means to adopt an animal and the need to support shelters, Munn said.

Traditionally, January is one of the slowest fundraising months at the Humane Society, but it is often the busiest time in terms of adoptions. Munn estimated the non-profit has already adopted out 18 dogs and 12 cats in 2022.

It is an exciting experience passing a puppy or kitty over to their new family members. Munn said the joy of the animal and those bringing them home is palpable each time.

She said the Humane Society is cautious about who they send animals home with because the goal is to ensure it is a permanent home with people who are ready and understand the responsibilities of caring for an animal.

There were concerns when COVID first hit that the shelter would see a sharp rise in those looking to adopt animals as they were working from home and wanted company.

However, they treated adoptions with care and drove home the responsibility and costs that can come with owning a pet to those looking to adopt, Munn said.

This strategy appears to have worked and to date, there has not been a trend of animals being returned as the world slowly reopens.

“We wanted to make sure that people weren’t getting a dog because of COVID,” Munn said. “We were picky. It’s not to hurt anyone’s feelings. We don’t deny because you’re a bad person. You might be the wrong fit for the animal, that’s all.”

The joy of matching an animal is fuelled by the sad beginning many of the animals have had before they are rescued. Animals can come to the Humane Society scared and hurt, Munn said, but through careful love and care the animals can begin to heal from their harrowing backstories.

She cited one of the Humane Society’s long-term residents, Valour, a three-legged dog found chained up near a garbage dump. He came to the Humane Society dragging an injured leg that was eventually amputated and a heart riddled with worms.

“He probably would have eventually got a bone infection, we don’t know what happened to his leg — he had radial nerve damage, they don’t know if he was shot [but it is suspected]. He was dragging his leg, and when they picked it up, it was all red and festery … he cost a lot of money [to get healthy],” Munn said. “It’s not his fault he was treated like that.”

Many of the animals that currently call the shelter home come from similar backgrounds, and the funds raised by the community help the animals recover and thrive.

Munn added the animals are amazing because of the resiliency they show and their unconditional love for those around them. This love is in turn returned by staff and volunteers at the Humane Society.

“It isn’t just about the money, it’s about the conversation,” Munn said. “It’s important pets don’t ask for anything, they just want love.”

» ckemp@brandonsun.com, with files from The Associated Press

» Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp