Animal rescue organizations across Canada saw a spike in donations this week as the world celebrated what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday. 

Many people inspired by White’s love of animals took part in the Betty White Challenge by donating to animal groups. 

The Golden Girls star died Dec. 31, ahead of her Jan. 17 birthday. 

After her death, a message with a hashtag citing the challenge spread rapidly on social media among animal lovers and organizations in the United States and Canada.

Jenna Bye, executive director of Save Our Scruff in Ontario, said the volunteer-run organization received $13,000.

Sonya Biddle, actress, singer and former city councillor for Montreal’s west end, has died of cancer. She had recently turned 64.

Biddle, the daughter of renowned jazz bassist Charles Biddle and his wife Constance, was a champion of arts and culture in the city. Charlie Biddle, who died in 2003, was involved in founding Biddle’s Jazz and Ribs on Aylmer Street, which later became House of Jazz.

One of Sonya’s two sisters, Stephanie Biddle, is also a jazz musician.

Their brother, singer-songwriter and actor Charles Biddle Jr., remembers his sister Sonya as someone who always stood up for the underdog.