The legendary Betty White would’ve turned 100 on January 17. The world knew White as a TV and movie star but she also had a lifelong legacy of supporting animal welfare causes and animal lovers everywhere are making donations of $5 or more in her memory.
The Greek America Foundation is proud to participate in the #BettyWhiteChallenge by calling on our supporters to donate to the Souda Shelter in Chania, on the Greek island of Crete.
Since September 2020, the Greek America Foundation has “adopted” the shelter, allowing donors to make tax-deductible contributions specifically earmarked for the facility.
Click here to make your tax-deductible donation to our Souda Shelter fund in memory of Betty White
At any given time, Souda Shelter houses and cares for dozens of dogs, many of which were abandoned or abused by their owners or found in garbage bins as newborn puppies.
The shelter is run by Elizabeth Iliakis, a dedicated animal welfare volunteer who has built a safe place where abandoned and stray dogs are nurtured and eventually adopted out to forever homes.
Elizabeth and her team of staff and volunteers run a transparent operation and implement U.S.-standard best practices in their care, treatment and rehabilitation of animals. This includes mental stimulation, routine veterinary check ups, drainage systems for waste and consultations with specialists pertaining to animal handling and behavior.
Since taking over the shelter in 2016, Elizabeth and her team have saved hundreds of stray, abandoned, abused or otherwise vulnerable animals in the broader region around Hania. Elizabeth not only makes the effort to connect with each animal personally, but she also makes it a goal to improve their lives and re-home them.
Greek America Foundation Founder and President Gregory Pappas visited the shelter in August 2021 and asked Elizabeth to share a story about three puppies that had been recently rescued.
Watch the video below and click here to read more about our partnership with Souda Shelter.
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