Mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday!
The Farley Foundation is once again participating in Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2! This incredible global day of giving harnesses the power of people like you to create real change and uplift communities. Together, we’re joining a movement where millions of hearts beat as one to do good, and we invite you to join us for this powerful, feel-good day! Our goal: $50,000 to keep pets healthy and happy Imagine a world where every pet has access to the veterinary care they need. At the Farley Foundation, we believe that no pet parent should have to choose between their pet’s health and their own financial stability. With your help, we can reach our goal of $50,000 and keep more pets with their families where they belong. Double the impact of your gift Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, the first $2,500 in donations on Dec. 2 will be matched dollar for dollar. That means your $50 gift becomes $100, and your $100 turns into $200, doubling the power of your kindness to help even more pets. And there’s more! Once we reach a milestone of 100 donors, an additional $10,000 matching gift from our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim will be unlocked, helping us make an even greater impact. Your gift doesn’t just change one life, it changes two. Like it did for Gabi and her family. Gabi, a nine-year-old Labrador retriever, developed painful bladder stones and required urgent surgery. “She was in so much discomfort, and without your generous assistance, we wouldn’t have been able to move forward with the treatment she so badly needed,” say owners Erin and Lester. “Three weeks after her surgery, she was back to her happy, playful self again. Seeing her pain-free has been such a tremendous relief and joy. This life-changing surgery would not have been possible without The Farley Foundation. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” Because of supporters like you, Gabi’s story has a happy ending, but there are still so many pets waiting for their chance. Are you ready to make a difference this Giving Tuesday? Mark your calendar and visit our Giving Tuesday donation page on Dec. 2! Every share, every dollar, and every act of kindness counts! Let’s come together this Giving Tuesday to be part of something bigger—a wave of generosity and love that reaches pets and families across our community. Join us and make an impact that lasts! Make your Giving Tuesday donation and change lives today!
Join the Farley Foundation monthly giving program
There’s something special about knowing you’re making a difference quietly, consistently and with heart. One way to do this is to donate monthly to help sick and injured pets. We’re excited to officially introduce The Farley Pack, our community of monthly donors who make everything we do possible. By joining The Farley Pack, you become part of a compassionate group of people across Ontario who believe no one should ever have to say goodbye to a beloved pet just because times are tough. Month after month, the pack shows up with steady generosity, keeping pets and families together through hardship. Why you should join the Farley Pack Becoming part of The Farley Pack isn’t just generous; it’s meaningful, connected and rewarding. When you join, you’re stepping into a caring community of animal lovers who believe in keeping pets and families together. Here’s what you can expect as a pack member: When you join, you’re becoming part of a community of quiet heroes, people whose consistent support creates life-changing impact every month. Donate monthly to help sick and injured pets Your monthly donation – whether it’s $10, $25 or $100 – adds up to lifesaving, heart-healing support for pets and families across Ontario. Because of pack members like you: Monthly giving helps us plan ahead, respond quickly and help as many pets and people as possible – both now and in the future. That’s the power of predictable, steady support. That’s the power of The Farley Pack. Real voices: why Esmari joined the pack “When our Miniature Schnauzer, Rummins, suddenly became very unwell at the start of the pandemic, it was one of the hardest times of my life. I couldn’t be with him during vet visits because of restrictions, and I had to trust strangers to care for my very sick little guy. Through it all, my veterinarian’s compassion and support carried us. When Rummins passed away, my veterinarian made a donation to the Farley Foundation in his memory. That gesture meant so much to me, and it reminded me how many people are forced into impossible choices when they can’t afford treatment for their pets. I signed up to give monthly that same day.” Read Esmari’s full story. Ready to make a steady, lasting difference? If that sounds like you – or who you want to be – we’d love to welcome you into The Farley Pack. By joining us,you’ll become part of a movement that saves lives, keeps families together, and creates second chances every single month. Join The Farley Pack today. Even $10 a month can change a life. For more information or questions about becoming a monthly donor, contact Kristy Hoffmann, manager of community and donor relations.
Donating to charity in your will
Did you know that, as part of your Will, you can set aside money for charity? You may have heard this called planned or legacy giving. And you’ll probably hear a lot more about it in the coming years: a Will Power study found a significant increase (up to eight per cent) in the number of Canadians donating to charity in their Wills. In real numbers, that’s 1.2 million more Canadians giving in their Wills, creating roughly $37 billion in future donations. Think about what a big dent we could make in transforming access to essential veterinary care for pets in low-income families, keeping them healthy and together where they belong. Why donating to charity in your Will is becoming more popular One obvious reason is an economy forcing us all to hold our wallets a little (or a lot) tighter. Donating in your Will lets you make a big difference without using the money you need now. Even one per cent in your Will could make an impact. This, coupled with an urgency to do something in the face of growing global need, has made gifts in Wills a popular solution. Inflation and cost of living may have put pressure on Canadian incomes. But the desire to help has never been stronger. Another reason is demographics. Roughly a trillion dollars will be passed down over the next 10 years, the biggest wealth transfer in history. It’s given many of us pause, realizing we probably will have enough to support family and a charity in our Wills. Lastly, Canadians are just getting more savvy with their money. This includes harnessing the power of Wills, RRSPs and other assets to give more strategically. Why donate to charity in your Will? It might sound funny to think of your Will as a tool for change in this world, but when it comes down to it, there are many benefits to donating this way: Contribute more than you could otherwise Our donors are always amazed when we tell them how far their donations stretch, and how much more we can do for pets in need with every extra dollar. When we show them what a small percentage in their Will to the Farley Foundation could look like, they do the math and their eyes light up. Remember, that the value of your “estate” is the sum of any property and/or business you own, your pension and/or registered funds, any securities like stocks or mutual funds, any cash savings, and life insurance. It adds up, even if you subtract debt. In fact, the average Canadian family in 2023 had a net worth of $981,816. If you put just one per cent of that aside for charity, you’d be looking at a donation of about $10,000! When else could the average Canadian make such an extraordinary impact? Continue the good work you’ve done When a donor tells us they’ve left a gift in their Will, we often get into the “why.” Most speak about their work with the Farley Foundation as an expression of their values; something that provides them purpose, pride or enjoyment. They see their contributions of time and money as an investment in keeping pets and their families together by ensuring access to essential veterinary care for those in need. So, it only makes sense that they’d want their good work to continue on after they’re gone. Not just to keep their investment going, but also to show leadership and motivate others to get involved. Keep your memory alive in a unique way Imagine the pride your children or grandchildren will feel knowing that you’ve helped provide life-saving veterinary care for pets in need, keeping them with the families who love them. Or the honour it would be for them to be involved with in expanding this compassionate work, ensuring no pet is left behind due to financial hardship. Your gift doesn’t even have to be that grandiose. When your loved ones have something tangible, meaningful and bigger than you to associate with your memory, you’ll have created a legacy that future generations can rally around. Big tax breaks Taxes probably aren’t the first thing you think about when it comes to charity. But Canada actually has some of the most generous charitable tax incentives in the world! In Canada, when you make a donation, you get a charitable tax credit that can go a long way to help pay down what you owe. Your loved ones might need that charitable tax credit when you pass, because your estate is likely to be hit with a huge tax bill they’ll have to take care of. You can even structure your donation in different ways so that you get the biggest tax break possible. A popular approach is to name a charity as a beneficiary of your RRSP, because the credit received will close to cancel out what would be owed on this heavily taxed asset. If you’re interested to learn more, you can always book a consultation with a financial advisor who specializes in charitable giving. How to write a Will that includes a charity It’s easier than you think. In fact, it can actually be fun to dream about the future and give shape to the mark you will make. Choose the charity or charities you’d like to support. It’s wise to book a chat with someone at your charity to talk about your options and make sure they can fulfill your future wishes. If you’re thinking about making a donation in your Will to the Farley Foundation, thank you. You can speak to Kristy Hoffmann at kristy@farleyfoundation.org or 1.800.670.1702, ext. 234. You won’t be held to any commitment, or sent any additional communications if you wish. Make sure you have the charities’ legal names and registration numbers. For reference our legal name is Farley Foundation and our registration number is 88752 2316 RR 0001. Get a rough estimate of the size of your estate and what percentage you’d like to
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
The Farley Foundation celebrates 20 years of helping people and pets!
On Jan. 9, 2002, a cat named Willie had surgery to remove bladder stones at an Ottawa veterinary clinic. Willie’s owner was an Ontario Disability Support Payment recipient, and they became the first to receive funding from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association’s (OVMA) newly formed charity, the Farley Foundation. By the end of February 2002, the Farley Foundation had helped seven pets from Elliot Lake to St. Catharines, and Ottawa to Cambridge, to treat conditions ranging from broken bones to diabetes. From this humble beginning, the Farley Foundation has grown to disburse roughly $500,000 a year to help fund veterinary care for more than 1,000 pets annually, ranging from cats and dogs to horses, chinchillas, birds and rats. “The Farley Foundation provides a simple solution to a heartbreaking problem: a fixed-income pet owner is faced with an unexpected veterinary bill for expensive treatment. The options are few and dark. Farley brings hope and light. It’s beautiful,” says Dr. Heather Hannah, former president of the Farley Foundation. The Farley Foundation was the inspiration of former OVMA CEO, Doug Raven. He saw it as a way for veterinarians to give back and help Ontario pet owners on social assistance and with limited means. The OVMA Board of Directors approved his request to form a working group to look into the creation of a veterinary charity. The working group was also tasked with the challenge of coming up with a name for the burgeoning charity. Adamant that the name was key to the success of the charity, the group didn’t want it to be named after OVMA. They were looking for a Canadian icon, real or fictional, that would rally donors and veterinarians alike On April 18, 1995, Farley, the beloved family dog from Lynn Johnston’s classic comic strip, For Better or For Worse, died after rescuing four-year-old April from drowning in a river. Fans of the comic strip were devastated, and the image of Farley as a selfless hero was cemented in the Canadian psyche. There wasn’t a better, more symbolically giving, Canadian icon. Johnston happily granted permission to use Farley’s name and likeness for the charity, and she’s been a faithful supporter of the foundation ever since Initial fundraising came through in memoriam donations, an annual golf tournament and Fundraise for Farley Month. By now, veterinarians and pet owners know that October is synonymous with Fundraise for Farley Month, the foundation’s biggest annual campaign, but it wasn’t always that way. Fundraise for Farley Month is one of those events that, like the charity itself, has succeeded beyond anyone’s wildest imaginations. The first few years’ efforts focused on encouraging veterinary clinics to participate. Before long, clinics were running with the idea, hosting events such as dog washes, silent auctions and bake sales, with items donated by clients, staff and suppliers—some have even hosted concerts for Farley. “People have taken this way further than we ever thought possible,” says Raven. “There’s a friendly but fierce competition between clinics to be the top fundraiser, with many raising $10,000 or more.” But more impressive is the sheer number of clinics that participate in the annual campaign, helping to raise awareness for the charity year after year. In 2021, with the pandemic still a factor, 290 veterinary clinics participated, raising more than $120,000 for the foundation. The other mainstay of fundraising for the Farley Foundation comes from the annual Summit Veterinary Ride For Farley, which became an official event in 2006. Inspired by Dr. Dale Scott, it was initially held in Northern Ontario with a handful of riders. In 2009 it moved south to Milton, and since then participants have cycled up to 160 km to raise funds for the foundation. From its modest beginnings, the Farley Foundation has become one of the rare successes in the pantheon of veterinary charities. With such an impressive legacy built in the first 20 years, it’s exciting to think of the future, and how the Farley Foundation will continue to grow to honour the human-animal bond.
Get active at home to help people and pets
For many, the last few months have been difficult. From wearing a mask in public to establishing our social circles, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we all think and carry out everyday tasks. Although it’s been a tough adjustment, many people have taken advantage of the opportunity to spend more quality time with family, brush up on old hobbies and set new goals for themselves, just like Dr. Steph Marquette from Cassells Animal Hospital in North Bay, Ont. To make the most out of the situation, Dr. Marquette decided to challenge herself to cycle 1,000 km in one month. “In July, I decided I needed to do something for my mental and physical health to cope with the stress of COVID,” says Dr. Marquette. “I’ve always been a cyclist, as well as a very goal-oriented person, so I figured 1,000 km would be a suitable challenge for me.” Dr. Marquette set out on her journey, cycling almost every day while proudly sporting her past Ride for Farley jerseys. By the end of the month, she had surpassed her initial goal by riding a total of 1,112 km. “When I first started the ride, it was all about me,” says Dr. Marquette. “However, as I continued through the month, I realized I could be doing more – that’s when I reached out to the Farley Foundation and let them know I’d be donating $1 for each kilometre I rode.” Giving back to help people and pets As an avid supporter of the foundation, Dr. Marquette understands the impact the Farley Foundation has on the lives of countless Ontario families. With many pet owners resorting to government assistance to make ends meet during the pandemic, it’s never been more important to provide aid to individuals with pets in need of veterinary care. “The Farley Foundation provides an avenue to save a pet’s life when financial limitations are presented,” says Dr. Marquette. “In a world of gloom and doom, it feels really spectacular to tell a client, ‘We’ve got this’.” Between participating in the annual Summit Veterinary Ride for Farley for 12 years and raising money for the foundation through her clinic, Dr. Marquette continues to find ways to give back to the foundation. “As veterinary professionals, it’s important that we do our part to ensure our community has access to resources like the Farley Foundation,” says Dr. Marquette. “That involves giving back to the foundation so it can continue helping those in need.” In addition to supporting a cause that she’s passionate about, Dr. Marquette’s 1,000 km ride provided her with experiences that she’ll never forget, including catching a bright red morning sun rising over the lake and cycling three hours in non-stop rain to meet with friends. This year, the Farley Foundation is encouraging the community to get active while giving back, like Dr. Marquette. With the pandemic causing numerous job cutbacks, many individuals are forced to make difficult financial decisions, including whether they should get their sick pet help. On Sept. 12, for the first time ever, the Farley Foundation’s annual Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley will be held from the comfort of your own home and community. This year’s event welcomes participants of all ages to exercise however they choose. Whether you’re interested in biking, walking, swimming or spinning, you can get active to help people and pets in Ontario. With no minimum donation amount, registration fee or distance requirements, it’s easier than ever to participate.
It’s time to help pet owners in need and fundraise for Farley!
On Oct. 1, the Farley Foundation kicks off its largest annual fundraising campaign to help low-income pet owners in Ontario. More than 330 veterinary practices across the province will organize events for Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month. Funds raised will help pet owners in financial need — including seniors, disabled individuals, women at risk of abuse and others receiving government assistance — by subsidizing the cost of veterinary care for their sick or injured pets. Last year the campaign raised $278,000. To support the campaign, people can visit a local veterinary clinic to donate, and they will receive a collapsible travel bowl for their pet. Donations can also be made online. Since its establishment in 2002 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the Farley Foundation has disbursed $4 million to assist more than 10,000 pets in need. It subsidizes up to 100 per cent of the cost of care to a maximum $1,000 per pet or pet owner per year for vital treatments, including diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization and medications. Pet owners demonstrating financial need can apply for funding through their veterinarian. Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month is generously sponsored by Merck Animal Health. For more information about Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month, or to make a donation, visit www.farleyfoundation.org.
The Farley Foundation is sending 1,000 pets to the vet!
Earlier this year, the Farley Foundation reached a significant milestone by subsidizing the cost of veterinary care for its 10,000th pet. To celebrate, it’s pledging to help 1,000 more. The Farley Foundation’s 1,000 Pets to Vets initiative will help 1,000 low-income pet owners in Ontario who are unable to afford basic preventive care for their pets, and therefore have not visited a veterinarian. The foundation will cover the cost of their pet’s first veterinary exam, along with any needed vaccinations. “Establishing a relationship with a veterinarian is an integral part of preventing illness,” says Dr. Matthew Richardson, president of the Farley Foundation. “By focusing on preventive care with this initiative, we can help pet owners in need by putting their pets on the road to good health.” To qualify for the Pets to Vets program, pet owners must otherwise be eligible for funding from the Farley Foundation, be without a veterinarian and be a first-time recipient of funding assistance from the foundation. Pet owners meeting these criteria can apply through a local veterinarian. Since its establishment in 2002 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the Farley Foundation has disbursed $4.3 million to assist more than 10,000 pets in need. It helps pet owners in financial need by subsidizing the cost of non-elective veterinary treatments for their sick or injured pets. “As a veterinarian, every day I see the positive impact that sharing our lives with an animal has on our health and well-being,” says Richardson. “The Farley Foundation helps preserve this bond, which is especially meaningful for people who are facing hardship and rely heavily on their pet for companionship.” The Pets to Vets initiative is possible due to the fundraising efforts and contributions of veterinarians and veterinary staff across Ontario, generous donations from the public and industry sponsors. Show your support online using #FarleyPetsToVets. Learn more about who we help.