How a legacy gift makes a difference through the Farley Foundation
Helping pet owners was important to late Burlington resident Jean Ellen Griffin. She loved cats and shared her life with two special feline friends, Muffin and Tina. “Jean was independent and feisty,” says veterinarian Dr. Marilyn Loh, who was also a friend. “She always had an opinion about something, telling jokes and sharing her day. Jean lived life to the fullest until her health started to affect her.” How a legacy gift helps When she wrote her will, Jean wanted to ensure that her estate helped people who couldn’t afford to look after their pets. To do this, she provided a legacy gift to the Burlington Community Foundation, establishing a donor advised fund that will carry out her wishes in perpetuity by providing grants to animal welfare charities like the Farley Foundation. Jean entrusted the stewardship of the Jean Ellen Griffin Fund to Dr. Loh, who now makes annual grant decisions. In 2023, the Farley Foundation received a grant of more than $23,000 from the fund. The grant helped carry out Jean’s wishes and directly supported pet owners facing financial hardship, helping them access vital veterinary care for their beloved animals. “Through the Farley Foundation, we have seen the results of being able to help people care for their animals who wouldn’t be able to do so financially,” says Dr. Loh, who practices in Burlington.“Having happy outcomes in most cases would be the reward and joy that Jean would have gained if she could see how her fund is able to help others.” Since its establishment in 2002, the Farley Foundation has helped more than 18,000 pets receive necessary veterinary care, including over 10,000 dogs and 7,000 cats, ensuring they could stay with the people who love them. “We’re deeply grateful for this generous support. This legacy gift will help more pets get the care they need and will help bring us closer to our goal of doubling our impact by 2027,” says John Stevens, executive director of the Farley Foundation. Donor advised funds generate annual income from investments. The fund can then provide grants to charitable organizations year after year. The Burlington Community Foundation manages the fund and all administrative responsibilities, offering a simple and meaningful option for estate planning. Those who establish a fund can direct where they would like the grants to go, whether that be to specific organizations or areas of interest that matter most to them. “Moving forward, I hope to distribute funds to other animal rescues and [to the] Farley Foundation again to help animals in need,” says Dr. Loh.
How one pet owner turned heartbreak into hope through monthly giving
When Esmari Taylor’s dog suddenly fell ill, her world changed in an instant. What followed was a journey of heartbreak, compassion and ultimately, hope. With the support of her veterinarian, and later, the Farley Foundation, Esmari discovered how monthly giving helps pets get veterinary care, ensuring that no one has to face the impossible choice between financial strain and a beloved companion’s care. A heartbreaking diagnosis When Esmari Taylor’s beloved miniature schnauzer, Rummins, suddenly became very sick at the start of the pandemic, her world turned upside down. “It was a terribly hard time in general,” she recalls. “The clinic had strict COVID rules, so I couldn’t go in with him. I had to hand my very sick little guy over at the door and just… wait. I couldn’t comfort him. I couldn’t see him. All I could do was trust that the voice on the other end of the phone would take good care of him.” Rummins was diagnosed with a liver tumour and referred to a specialist. Surgery was too risky, and chemotherapy seemed like the best option. But within a week of treatment, Rummins fully lost his sight. The playful, lively companion who had filled Esmari’s life with so much joy became very sick and withdrawn. “We were devastated,” she says. “He went from being this active, engaged little guy, and a massive part of our life, to a very sick, traumatized and depressed dog. It broke my heart.” Finding strength through veterinary support Through it all, Esmari’s veterinarian was there, calling daily, listening and reassuring her. “She became an enormous support for me and took incredibly good care of us all — especially Rummins.” During one of those tearful phone calls, they talked about how difficult it must be for families who want to save their pets but simply can’t afford the costs. “I thought about what that must feel like for both the families and the veterinarians, to be in that impossible position,” says Esmari. A year later, when Rummins’ health declined further, Esmari made the painful decision to let him go. A few days later, she opened her mailbox and found a letter from the Farley Foundation. Her veterinarian had donated in Rummins’ name. “It was an incredibly kind and meaningful gesture,” says Esmari. “And it brought me back to that conversation we’d had months before. That’s when I realized how I could help; help families who love their pets just as much as I loved Rummins, but who might be facing impossible choices. I signed up as a monthly donor that same day.” “I believe our pets make us better people,” she says. “They love us unconditionally, and for many people, they’re everything. Losing Rummins was probably the worst thing that had ever happened to me. To this day, I miss him.” How monthly giving helps pets get veterinary care The thought of someone losing their companion simply because they can’t afford care is, for Esmari, unthinkable. “Giving monthly to the Farley Foundation lets me be part of something bigger, something that changes lives.” After saying goodbye to Rummins, Esmari’s heart found a new way to heal, with a new furry family member, Sammy. “We rescued him as much as he rescued us,” she says. “He helped heal our broken hearts and is now very much the centre of attention in our household.” For Esmari, the Farley Foundation represents hope for families facing impossible choices. Her monthly contributions help ensure pets and their people stay together when financial barriers threaten to tear them apart. To anyone thinking about becoming a monthly donor, she says,“Your contribution, no matter how big or small, can have a life-changing effect for someone else.”
Legacy giving: make an impact for years to come
For many, discussing wills, estate planning and organizing your affairs can feel like a daunting and somber task. However, embracing these conversations and planning for the future empowers you with the option of choice and ensures your legacy wishes are fulfilled once you pass on. Did you know that leaving just one per cent of your will to a charity can create a significant impact? While many people focus on providing for their loved ones, legacy giving can help support a cause you deeply value, allowing you to make a lasting difference alongside securing a brighter future for your family. The impact of legacy giving A legacy gift, or planned gift, is a powerful way to leave a lasting impact through your estate plan. This charitable contribution takes effect after you pass, allowing you to support a cause that resonates with you. By making a planned gift, you enable a charity to continue its vital mission, ensuring that your passion for making a difference lives on long after you’re gone. From bequests to property donations, there are many ways for individuals to include a charity in their estate plans. Common options include bequests, beneficiary designations, gifts of stock/securities, or donations of other assets. Not only do these planned gifts support the causes you’re passionate about, but they can also help reduce the taxes your estate owes, ultimately benefiting your beneficiaries. By planning your legacy thoughtfully, you can ensure your generosity goes further, creating a lasting impact for both your chosen charity and your loved ones. A personal connection: David’s legacy gift We recently met with David Acomba to hear his story about why he chose to include the Farley Foundation in his will. After receiving a heartfelt in-memoriam card for his beloved black lab Chester, who was not only well-loved but also a talented animal companion, he began to reflect on how he could make a meaningful impact. “Everyone in our neighbourhood knew Chester; he even had his own paper route. So, when a close friend donated in his memory to an organization somewhat similar to yours, it truly touched my heart,” says David. “I thought it was interesting, so I started investigating charities that help pets, and that’s how I learned about the Farley Foundation.” As an animal lover, David was instantly drawn to the foundation’s mission, but it was when he learned more about our impact and scope of work, particularly in helping low-income pet owners, that he took a deeper interest. “The Farley Foundation seemed to have a real reach; a real understated reach,” says David. “Having a pet is expensive, but I’ve never had to worry about that. However, there are people who do have to worry about that.” Inspired by the foundation, David reached out to a friend and his veterinarian for their opinions. When he learned about the foundation’s size and its low overhead costs, he knew it was a charity he wanted to support. “It just made sense,” says David. “I felt that every dollar I donated would help two sentient beings, not just one.” Why consider legacy giving? There are many reasons why individuals choose to leave legacy gifts, but for David, it was a chance to make a heartfelt impact. He saw it as an opportunity to support an organization that transforms the lives of both pets and their owners. In doing so, he was not only honouring the memory of his beloved dog Chester but was also helping create a brighter future for other cherished pets and their families. “There are many organizations in the world that could use help, and there are so many places you can support, but I decided that I wanted to just focus on one organization so that my support could make more of a difference.” Planned gifts are meaningful contributions that can provide lasting stability for a charity. For the Farley Foundation, a legacy gift can help us expand our reach, increase our resources and raise awareness. Most importantly, it allows us to extend our impact, reaching more pets and families in need. Each gift, no matter the size, plays a vital role in ensuring our mission continues to thrive for years to come. Your legacy, their future At the Farley Foundation, we deeply understand and value the human-animal bond and the positive impact this companionship can have on the elderly, individuals with physical or mental impairments, and those living with disabilities. Leaving a planned gift is about more than financial assistance—it’s a contribution to the well-being of pets and a way to enrich the lives of those who rely on their companionship. “Pets are truly vital to our lives, especially in today’s electronic, isolated society,” says David. “Many people seek companionship and find comfort in animals to help navigate life’s challenges.” David Acomba’s story illustrates that a legacy gift is not just about financial support; it’s about creating a lasting impact that resonates far beyond your lifetime. By making this choice, you leave behind a legacy of compassion for both animals and their families, helping us continue our mission for years to come! To learn more about leaving a legacy gift for the Farley Foundation, contact Kristy Hoffmann, manager of community and donor relations, at kristy@farleyfoundation.org.
Who we help: Lexxi’s story
Lexxi needed surgery to remove an infected cyst and treatment for a urinary tract infection. From her owner: “Lexxi has been by my side since day one. We do everything together. I was diagnosed with an inoperable tumour three years ago and had to quit work because of the physical pain I endure every day. There are days when the pain is unbearable but Lexxi is always by my side. I love to have her there for comfort. She loves to be pet and I love petting her – it takes my mind off the pain for a while. When I found out Lexxi needed surgery, I was so stressed. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do because I’m on a limited income (the Ontario Disability Support Program). When my vet called and said she may have a solution, I was so relieved. She said there’s a foundation called the Farley Foundation that was willing to pay for Lexxi’s surgery. I was crying because I was so happy. Lexxi had her surgery March 21 and she is home and doing well. I am forever thankful to the Farley Foundation for the amazing work they do and for allowing my best friend to have the surgery she needed.” To read more stories of pets your donations have helped, follow us on Instagram.
Who we help: Cappy’s story
Sweet yellow lab Cappy was suffering from a bad case of kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease, and needed veterinary care. But his owner relies on the Ontario Disability Support Program and wasn’t sure how she would afford the treatment. Luckily, her veterinarian knew about the Farley Foundation and applied for funding. “This little boy of mine is more than just a pet,” says Cappy’s owner. “He also helps me deal with my severe anxiety issues. I’ve had him for almost two years and can’t picture my life without him.” With the care he needed taken care of, Cappy is feeling much better and back to his usual happy, loveable self. To read more stories of pets your donations have helped, follow us on Instagram.