Milton Farmers’ Market highlights: spreading awareness about subsidized veterinary care
On Sept. 7, the Farley Foundation team spent a wonderful day at the Milton Farmers’ Market in downtown Milton, Ont. The beautiful weather made for a perfect setting as we connected with local families, children and their pets. The event was an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness about subsidized veterinary care for low-income families and how the Farley Foundation provides essential support for pet owners in need. Raising awareness for subsidized veterinary care The event was a great success, not only because the foundation received donations but also because we were able to spread awareness about our mission to support subsidized veterinary care for families in need. It was heartwarming to meet so many enthusiastic individuals and hear their inspiring pet stories. “We were delighted to join the Milton Farmers’ Market and engage with the vibrant community here,” said Kristy Hoffmann, the Farley Foundation’s manager of community and donor relations. “The warm reception from families and their pets was truly uplifting and underscored the importance of our work.” In addition to raising awareness, the event also served as an educational platform. Many visitors were curious about our iconic logo, how the Farley Foundation works and how they could support us. We were thrilled to share more about our programs and how every contribution directly impacts pets in need of essential veterinary care. Community engagement and future events With the momentum from the Farmers’ Market, we’re excited to continue our community engagement efforts. Our next event is the Ride for Farley Community BBQ on Sept. 14 at our office in Milton, and we hope to see even more friends and supporters there. “The energy and support we experienced at the Milton Farmers’ Market was incredible,” Hoffmann added. “We’re looking forward to carrying this momentum into our upcoming events and continuing to connect with the fantastic people of Milton.” Support the foundation Whether it’s through participation in our events, engaging with us online or spreading the word, every bit of support helps us continue to make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners across Ontario. Learn more about how you can support the foundation or contact Kristy Hoffmann to invite us to attend your event. We’re eager to keep engaging with our community and advancing our mission to support families and their beloved pets.
Celebrating young philanthropists: meet the kids making a difference
From sharing lunch with a classmate to selling chocolates for a school fundraiser, philanthropic values often flourish from a young age. Yet, the stories of young philanthropists making a difference in our communities don’t always get the spotlight they deserve. We’re here to change that! Spotlight on Anna, Maeve and Cullen Last month, the foundation was contacted by Dr. Heather, a local veterinarian, who let us know that her children were interested in raising funds for the foundation. As a long-standing supporter of the foundation, Dr. Heather educated her children on the foundation’s mission and how it helps pets in need of essential health care. As pet lovers whose beloved family dog recently required emergency care, Anna, 12, Maeve, 10, and Cullen, 8, were inspired to support the foundation. “We wanted to do this because our dog Rex was paralyzed five months ago,” says Anna. “Now we know what it feels like to have a pet in a condition like this, we’d love to support other pets financially.” Lemonade stand success: $1,667.80 raised for the Farley Foundation On July 28, the young philanthropists held a lemonade stand to collect donations from their local community. While sporting fun and cheerful face paintings and Farley Foundation stickers (not to mention Cullen’s custom Rex shirt!), the ambitious group set up shop just outside their home to sell their freshly prepared juice to passersby. With heart-warming smiles and boundless enthusiasm, these spirited animal lovers raised a total of $1,667.80 for the Farley Foundation! Thanks to their unwavering dedication, Anna, Maeve and Cullen have made an incredible impact and showed that even the smallest hands can make a big difference. “We love the Farley Foundation because what they do is so wholesome and kind,” says Maeve. “We hope that the money goes to pets in need and that we can support their families.” Join us in supporting pets and people in need These young philanthropists’ dedication and compassion serve as an inspiration to us all. Their efforts demonstrate that kindness and generosity know no limits, and their contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families. We believe that every pet deserves access to essential veterinary care, regardless of their owner’s financial situation. But we can’t do it alone. Just like Anna, Maeve and Cullen, you can make an impact, too. Every donation empowers pets to receive the care they need and helps owners spend more time with their beloved companions. Join us in continuing this mission. Your support, no matter the amount, can change lives. Donate today and help us keep pets healthy and happy. Together, we can make a difference.
Cycle, eat, celebrate: join us at our Milton community event!
The Farley Foundation is excited to invite our supporters and animal lovers in Halton Region to our first ever Milton community event: the Ride for Farley Community BBQ on Sept. 14. The family-friendly event will not disappoint! It’s completely free and open to everyone (including your pets). Bring your family, friends and furry companions along and join us from noon to 4 p.m. at 420 Bronte St. S. in Milton, Ont. for a great day filled with fun, food and philanthropy! Food and activities Attendees can enjoy mouth-watering food from Smokin’ Bones BBQ Catering (including options for our vegan and gluten-free friends) while grooving to the beats of Toronto’s DJ Ugo Flo. While you eat, watch your kids have a blast at our children’s activity station, where they can colour custom Farley Foundation cartoons and get their face painted by Right Choice Children’s Entertainment. In between the fun and food, don’t forget to stop by Happy Tails Pet Photography’s photo station for a free photo of your pet! We’re so excited to also welcome Milton’s Mayor, Gordon Krantz, and MPP Zee Hamid to the festivities. Farley Foundation President, Dr. Gwen Jeun, will also address our supporters and share more about our mission. “We’re thrilled to bring our community together in support of such a meaningful cause,” says Kristy Hoffmann, manager of community and donor relations. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible work we do and the impact we have on people and pets in need.” The Ride for Farley The Ride for Farley Community BBQ is a new addition to our annual Ride for Farley event. The ride brings veterinary professionals, families, friends and the community together to cycle 50 or 100 km around the Milton area. Each rider raises funds to support the foundation’s vision that every pet deserves access to veterinary care. The ride officially started in 2005 with one lone cyclist navigating the hilly terrain of northern Ontario and raising $3,000 for the foundation. Today, the event has evolved into dozens of participants getting active in different ways across the province. To date, the Ride for Farley has raised more than $1.1 million. This year, we’re aiming to raise $50,000 to continue helping people and pets in need. Whether you want to participate in the ride or come to the community barbecue, we’d love for you to join us! Make a difference The Ride for Farley is a great opportunity to get active and accomplish a goal while supporting a great cause. If you’re interested in joining the cycling event but you’re a little leery, don’t worry; our support vehicles will be with you along the way to help you however you may need—from motivation to snacks! If you’re interested in cycling, review our FAQ sheet and rider registration form. You can also contact us for more information. Our Milton community event is all about unity. Help us congratulate the cyclists, celebrate the foundation’s work, raise awareness and generate funds. “We hope everyone comes out to enjoy a day of fun and philanthropy,” says Hoffmann. “Your support helps us continue our mission and make a difference in many lives.” Ready to join the fun? RSVP for the free Ride for Farley Community BBQ to let us know you’re coming. If you can’t make it but still want to show your support, you can help us reach our fundraising goal by making a gift online. We can’t wait to see you there. Let’s make this day unforgettable!
Making connections in the Niagara Peninsula
On May 25, the Farley Foundation team had a memorable day at the Peavey Community Day event at the Peavey Mart in Welland, Ont. This wonderful event allowed us to spread the word about our foundation and meet several enthusiastic animal lovers from across the Niagara Peninsula. Peavey Mart, a well-known farm and ranch retail store with locations all over Canada, hosts Peavey Community Days to create stronger community ties. These events bring together local groups and charities to showcase their amazing work, fundraise and engage with the public in fun and meaningful ways. What started as an outdoor barbecue fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting our foundation, quickly turned into an indoor adventure due to unexpected weather. Despite the shift, we were able to connect with wonderful individuals (and their companions) and hear their heartwarming pet stories. Although the day didn’t exactly go according to plan, the fantastic Peavey Mart team generously pledged to donate all proceeds from their next barbecue to the foundation! “We were thrilled to be invited to Peavey Mart’s Community Day and have the opportunity to connect with the dedicated pet owners and animal lovers of Welland,” said Kristy Hoffmann, the Farley Foundation’s manager of community and donor relations. “The stories we heard were truly inspiring and reinforced the importance of our work.” The Farley Foundation has a history of attending public events, such as veterinary conferences, Rotary clubs and even the Canadian National Exhibition. Now equipped with a larger team, we’re more committed than ever to participating in community events, connecting with the public, spreading awareness and education and expanding our base of supporters and donors. “The warm welcome we experienced at the Peavey Community Day was incredible,” said Hoffmann. “We can’t wait to participate in more events like this and continue building strong relationships with pet owners across Ontario.” If you’d like the Farley Foundation to attend your local event, contact Kristy Hoffmann. We’re eager to connect with more communities and share our mission of helping people and pets in need.
Your impact: 500 pets helped in three months
As we reflect on the first three months of 2024 as a pet charity in Ontario, we’re filled with gratitude for the unwavering support from our community and the countless lives we’ve touched together. From Jan. 1 to March 31, a total of 266 veterinary clinics across Ontario used Farley Foundation funding. These clinics helped an incredible 536 pets, with an additional 37 pets benefiting from our Pets to Vets program. These veterinary clinics are Ontario Veterinary Medical Association member clinics. One of the foundation’s current strategic goals is to increase member clinic participation, and to encourage more clinics to access Farley Foundation funding to support more communities across Ontario. Farley Foundation funding covers a wide array of non-elective veterinary care to assist pets in need. In the first three months of 2024, we funded 24 different veterinary treatments. These ranged from essential dental care to critical surgical interventions. A deep dive into the care received and conditions treated shows amputations, fracture repairs, exploratory surgeries, mass removals and more. The 536 pets we helped this quarter included 298 dogs, 231 cats, four birds, two rabbit, and one rat, showcasing the breadth of our impact. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the picturesque corners of Niagara and our nation’s capital of Ottawa, as a pet charity in Ontario we touched lives in 39 communities across the province in the first three months of the year. Notable locations include York (18), Wellington (24), Waterloo (20), Toronto (90), Simcoe (25), Peel (35), Ottawa (32), Niagara (25), Middlesex (12), Halton (31) and Dufferin (50). During this time, the Farley Foundation distributed nearly $245,000 in funding to subsidize non-elective veterinary care, transforming each dollar into a lifeline for those who need it most. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters. We remain steadfast in our belief that every pet deserves access to veterinary care, and each day we inch closer towards our goal of doubling our impact by 2027. Together, we will continue to write stories of compassion, resilience and unwavering love—one pet and one family at a time.
The Farley Foundation grants SafePet Ontario $40,000
The Farley Foundation has launched a one-year pilot project to provide SafePet Ontario (SPO) with $40,000 to help subsidize the cost of veterinary care for companion animals of individuals participating in its pet-safekeeping program. The grant, which will fund the majority of SPO’s veterinary bills for the next 12 months, will enable the charity to support at least 60 additional pets with accessing essential veterinary care under the Farley Foundation’s standard funding eligibility criteria. SafePet Ontario is a registered charity that provides pet-safekeeping for pets of individuals fleeing family violence and human trafficking, as well as public education about the link among intimate partner violence, child abuse, animal abuse, and elder abuse. In 2022, SPO helped 51 fostered pets receive necessary veterinary care, and 21 of those animals’ treatments were subsidized by the Farley Foundation. Between January and October 2023, SPO received more than 304 pet-safekeeping applications and spent over $26,000 in veterinary care for animals participating in its innovative program. “We’re grateful for this generous funding provided by the Farley Foundation,” says Hayley Glaholt, SPO executive director and co-founder. “Financial abuse is part and parcel to family violence, and most SPO animals require veterinary care as they were prevented from receiving medical assistance by their owners’ abuser. With the foundation’s help, we’ll be able to assist more companions of victims fleeing abuse by providing them with desperately needed veterinary care.” The Farley Foundation, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association’s (OVMA) charitable arm, is a registered Canadian charity that subsidizes the cost of veterinary care for pets of low-income individuals living in Ontario. Established in 2002, the Farley Foundation has assisted over 15,000 pets and their families. “Pets play a vital role in the health and well-being of the individuals we help every day,” says Dr. Gwen Jeun, Farley Foundation president. “For many individuals experiencing violence, their pet is a main source of peace and unconditional love. We are honoured to work with an incredible charity that provides the opportunity for survivors to experience the freedom of living a happy, healthy and violence-free life with their beloved companion.” The Farley Foundation and OVMA have a long-standing relationship with SPO. SafePet was originally established by OVMA in 2002 and was managed by the association until 2022. OVMA then transferred ownership of SPO to Link Coalition Toronto, a Greater Toronto Area-based non-profit that provided pet-safekeeping for survivors. From there, Link Coalition Toronto fully rebranded as SafePet Ontario, and SPO officially became a registered Canadian charity in early 2023. Last year, the Farley Foundation released its three-year strategic plan, which identified five main goals that it will achieve by 2027. The 2024 SafePet Ontario pilot project grant is one of the first initiatives the foundation has launched to provide proactive support to identified communities in need. “Reuniting healthy pets with their stabilized owners allows these survivors to allocate their limited funds elsewhere—a true gift as they start their new lives together,” says Glaholt. The Farley Foundation believes that every pet deserves access to veterinary care. This partnership is one of many the Farley Foundation aspires to establish to help provide better lives for companion animals and their families. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can support the Farley Foundation in achieving its goals, visit farleyfoundation.org.
Highlights from the 2024 Farley Foundation reception
The Westin Harbour Castle hotel in Toronto was filled with excitement at the end of January, as the Farley Foundation hosted its annual reception. It was a night filled with camaraderie, appreciation and a reflection on the achievements of 2023. Last year was a groundbreaking for the foundation. It kicked off with a strategic overview, setting the stage for our vision, mission and strategic initiatives for the next three years. The ambitious goals we hope to accomplish include doubling disbursement funding and providing proactive support to communities in need. This will showcase our commitment to expanding the Farley Foundation’s impact by helping more people and pets across Ontario. The real measure of success for the foundation lies in the lives it touches. In 2023, a record 1,567 pets received assistance, marking a significant increase from the previous year. The pets we helped included dogs, cats, pocket pets, birds and reptiles. This achievement puts the foundation halfway toward its goal of doubling its impact in just one year. In September, the 2023 Summit Veterinary Ride for Farley raised $42,000 and the following month, Fundraise for Farley Month rallied the support of 275 veterinary clinics to raise an astounding $230,000. Mississippi Veterinary Services emerged as the 2023 Fundraise for Farley Month winner, raising more than $16,000 for the third consecutive year. The evening wasn’t just about numbers and achievements; it was also a time to acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond. Andrea Davis McNeil and Dr. Mike McNeil of Keswick Veterinary Clinic and Dalton Road Animal Hospital, along with their children, have participated in fundraising for the Farley Foundation for many years, raising more than $14,000 over the past decade. We were excited to present the McNeil family with the Dr. Jim Hysen Friend of Farley Award for their exceptional support. We also extended heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, with a special mention to OVMA Pet Health Insurance – Petline, and BrokerLink. Petline’s support, including a donation of over $110,000 in 2023, and BrokerLink’s campaign that raised $9,125, shows the indispensable role of sponsors in the foundation’s success. We express our appreciation to the Farley Foundation reception sponsors Petline and Fear Free, as well as a special shoutout to Nina Bauer, special events coordinator, for orchestrating a fabulous evening. We are committed to our mission of helping pets and people in need, and with the unwavering support of our community and friends, the journey ahead looks promising. Here’s to a successful 2024 and beyond!
Reflecting on 2023 and a bold vision to double our impact
As we step into the new year, it’s both humbling and exhilarating to look back on the incredible milestones we achieved together. The Farley Foundation, from its modest origins, has blossomed to have a remarkable impact, touching the lives of more than 15,000 pets and their families across Ontario. Since our inception, we’ve provided veterinary care totalling more than $6 million. These numbers embody the heartwarming stories of families who have remained united with their cherished pets, thanks to the unwavering generosity of our veterinarians and donors. In 2023, the Farley Foundation reached new heights. We helped more than 1,500 pets with over $800,000 in veterinary care! This includes more than 835 dogs, over 575 cats and various other companion animals. We also celebrated the full return of our signature events in person. The Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley raised more than $31,000 and Fundraise for Farley Month raised $170,000 to support low-income pet owners in Ontario. Read more in our 2022-23 Annual Report. As we reflect on these accomplishments and celebrate, we have much to look forward to in 2024. Late in 2022, we embarked on a journey to redefine the Farley Foundation’s future. Through a comprehensive mission and impact study, we reflected on our core values, our incredible donors and our dedicated team. The result? A bold new vision: Every pet deserves access to veterinary care. This vision is more than just a statement; it’s a commitment to breaking down barriers to pet ownership and fostering the enduring bond between humans and animals. We understand change doesn’t happen overnight, but we can be steadfast in our actions. Double our impact Over the next four years, the Farley Foundation is setting ambitious goals to double our impact. This includes doubling our disbursement funding across Ontario to help 2,000 pets annually. To do this, we’re committed to doubling our fundraising efforts by 2027. Your continued support is vital to help us reach this target. As we embark on this journey, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our Farley Foundation community. Your unwavering support has been the bedrock of our success. We invite you to join us in making an even greater difference in the lives of pets and pet owners in need. Together, we can make our bold vision a reality. With heartfelt thanks and great anticipation, John StevensExecutive Director, Farley Foundation
2022 Fundraise for Farley Month raises more than $170,000!
Last October, more than 240 veterinary clinics participated in the 2022 Fundraise for Farley Month campaign, raising more than $170,000 to assist low-income pet owners in Ontario with the cost of veterinary care. Fundraise for Farley Month was first established in 2002 and has since grown to be the foundation’s largest fundraising event. During the annual month-long campaign, hundreds of veterinary clinics across Ontario hold special events and fundraisers to raise funds and awareness for the Farley Foundation. Over the last decade, Fundraise for Farley Month has raised nearly $2.5 million. Funds raised from the event are directly used to assist low-income pet owners, including those receiving government assistance, disabled individuals, seniors and women at risk of abuse, by subsidizing the cost of veterinary care for their sick or injured pets. In 2022, the Farley Foundation helped more than 1,250 pets and pet owners. Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has helped nearly 14,000 companion animals. Congratulations to the 2022 top fundraisers: Mississippi Veterinary Services ($16,100), Orillia & District Veterinary Services ($8,650) and Lake Country Animal Hospital ($8,031) Thank you to all the foundation’s donors and supporters for making this event such a success!
Caledonia Veterinary Clinic receives Farley Foundation award
Last month during its annual reception, the Farley Foundation presented the Dr. Jim Hysen Friend of Farley Award to Caledonia Veterinary Clinic. The Dr. Jim Hysen Friend of Farley Award is presented to an individual or organization that has demonstrated the qualities associated with the late Dr. Hysen (generosity, enthusiasm, camaraderie, and a willingness to assist others) and has made an outstanding contribution to the Farley Foundation. For last year’s Fundraise for Farley Month campaign, Caledonia Veterinary Services held a memorial walk in honour of staff member Deby Watts, which overlapped the route she used to take with her golden retriever, Olivia. As far back as the foundation has collected contact information for participating Fundraise for Farley Month clinics, Deby was the main contact for the clinic. Sadly, Deby passed away in early 2022. Deby’s Memorial Walk raised more than $6,000 for the Farley Foundation. The foundation was honoured to recognize the team at Caledonia Veterinary Clinic with this award for its continued effort in both raising awareness and fundraising for the foundation. Since 2012, the clinic has raised more than $15,000 to help low-income people care for their companion animals.