Betty White Challenge fundraiser causes large donation influx for local cat sanctuary

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

A recent social media campaign has resulted in a significant influx of donations and support for Strathmore’s Happy Cat Sanctuary.

Following the death of actress Betty White weeks before she was to have her 100th birthday, the internet was saturated with encouragement to support local animal shelters in her name. 

Debbie Jensen, who helps to keep the sanctuary operating in Strathmore, said the shelter had received between $3,000 and $4,000 in donations – a tally that had yet to be completely counted. 

“We started about a week before (Betty White’s) birthday, we advertised that we were going to do it, and then about the Friday before her birthday, so, the 15th, we started having people come in and donate in her name,” explained Jensen.

“We were quite excited; it was really good. It turned out really well. We haven’t quite got all the tally up yet because some of the stuff is on the computer for e-transfers.”

Donations of cat food and litter had also been made to the shelter in lieu of monetary donations. 

Jensen added many of those who dropped by to donate and show their support were excited to take part and lend a hand. 

“Some of the people who came in were super nice – I had these two little guys come in who each handed me $5 and it was so cute. They might have been four and six, their grandma brought them in and they were all excited about giving money for Betty White,” said Jensen.

“It’s going to have a good impact because our vet bills have been major for so many cats. We make sure they’re all fixed and everything before they go out and all that adds up.”

She estimated the influx of funding and resources will likely last a few weeks, as much of it will be directed to covering vet bills.

Though the numbers of new cats arriving at the shelter have slowed, they have not ceased. Jensen estimates roughly 150 felines are now currently under the care of herself, other volunteers and in foster homes.

“It’s slowed down, but I had four kittens come in two days before Christmas. They were left in a box outside the vet clinic and they were only eight weeks old.”

The sanctuary is always in need of more volunteers to help operate the facility as well as to foster cats. Those who are curious about doing so may contact Happy Cat Sanctuary for more details.