Betty White Challenge a success for local pet shelter

Mike Lawrence - Staff Writer

The numbers are in, and they are looking good. 

The Sioux Looks Out for Paws pet rescue received a total of $2420 in donations in honour of actress Betty White, who passed on Dec 31 just shy of her 100th birthday. White was an avid supporter of animal welfare causes and after her passing, the Betty White Challenge began trending on social media. The challenge, which encouraged people to donate to animal charities in White’s honour, quickly gained momentum, and was taken up by local businesswoman Debora Young, who set up a donation jar at her store, Fair Convenience. While Young had hoped to raise $100 for White’s 100th birthday on January 17, she surpassed that figure by a large margin, raising a total of $630 over a two-week period. Young commented, “I live in a great community with awesome people. Thanks to everyone who donated, and if people can donate some time to your local shelter... the animals love the company!”

Lynda Ducharme, who is Chair of Sioux Looks Out for Paws pet rescue, also expressed her thanks, stating, “We know the people of Sioux Lookout are very generous, but we were shocked. I think it’ll help a lot of animals. It’ll cover a lot of spay and neuters! Its wonderful, especially over these past few years when we haven’t really been able to fundraise too much. It’s definitely very much appreciated.”

For those still interested in donating, Sioux Looks Out for Paws accepts monetary donations through EMT at siouxpaws554@gmail.com.