Dog mom raises funds for the #BettyWhiteChallenge

 Melanie van Rensburg is celebrating legendary actress and comedian Betty White’s 100 birthday by raising awareness for animal rescue centres. Melanie is taking part in the global Betty White Challenge by raising money for Woodrock animal rescue.

“The challenge is to meet Betty White’s 100th birthday with R100 donations. If people can spare R100 for the animals or whatever they can it will really go a long way. We initially planned to have it for Betty just on January 17, which is Betty’s birthday, but we have opened it until the end of the month because January can be a tough month for a lot of people,” Melanie said.

The dog mom said she rescued her dogs from an animal rehabilitation centre which unfortunately closed down due to the pandemic. “I was never a dog person; I have always loved cats but once we adopted our dogs, I just fell in love with them. Betty White did not only fill lounges with love and laughter, she also put animal advocacy at the top of her priority list. She has left an incredible legacy.”

She is encouraging everyone, not just animal lovers, to make a donation to her campaign on BackaBuddy that will go towards supporting Woodrock. The organisation provides assistance to abused, neglected, stray, injured and unwanted animals. They also do sterilisations. “We have already reached 20% of the target and this alone will make a difference.”

Melanie explained what she loved and would miss about the late Betty White. “I am not just in love with the actress and the Golden Girls. I am in love with who she was as she got older; she was this groovy gran who lived her life unapologetically. I hope I can age the way she did.”

Donate to Melanie’s #BettyWhiteChallenge on BackaBuddy.