The Swift Current SPCA saw a drastic spike in donations earlier this week. 

With the passing of the beloved actress just prior to her 100th birthday, the Betty White Challenge spread across the nation.  

The viral challenge encouraged individuals to make a donation of just five dollars to animal welfare groups in support of the late actress's favourite cause. 

Amanda Huxted, Development Officer for the Swift Current SPCA, said that January 17, the day that White would have celebrated her 100th birthday, brought a flood of donations through the door. 

“Our total was like $8 800, just over that amount,” she said. “I imagine there's probably a few more that are coming in, Central School just dropped off a donation. We had a bunch of new donors across Canada, even from out of the country as well.” 

Huxted said that the donations will be a massive asset to the shelter. 

“I think it really helps, especially in the times of covid, not being able to set up places,” she said. “You know, this is just kind of like an unexpected thing that happened, but I believe everything happens for a reason, so I'm very happy with the outcome of this. For all over animals and this shelter itself.”