2017 Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley raises over $50,000
In September, on one of the hottest days of the summer, 46 cyclists rode up to 160 km to raise funds and awareness for the Farley Foundation. Donations are still being accepted, but so far, this year’s Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley has raised more than $50,000. Thank you to Summit Veterinary Pharmacy for once again sponsoring the Ride for Farley, which celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. It also sent 16 volunteers to help with the event by providing vehicle support for the riders and cheering them on all day. And thank you to the riders, volunteers and donors—we couldn’t do it without you!
Fundraise for Farley Month helps sick and injured pets
When Honey, a seven-year-old golden retriever was adopted, her new family knew she hadn’t been properly cared for. But when they took the rescue dog to their veterinarian for a check-up, they received frightening news: Honey was suffering from a life-threatening infection and required immediate surgery. But for Honey’s adoptive family, who rely on government assistance income, paying for the treatment was an obstacle. Their veterinarian turned to the Farley Foundation, and applied for funding to help cover Honey’s veterinary care. “The Farley Foundation helped save Honey. We can’t stress our gratitude enough,” says Honey’s family. “Our prayers were for her to live the happy, healthy life she deserves, and thanks to the Farley funding, she’s able to do that.” On Oct. 1, the Farley Foundation kicks off its largest annual fundraising campaign to help low-income pet owners in Ontario. More than 300 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 set a record, raising $273,000. To support the campaign, pet owners can visit a local veterinary clinic to donate, and in return they will receive a Farley Foundation bandana for their pet. Donations can also be made online at farleyfoundation.org. Since its establishment in 2001 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the Farley Foundation has disbursed $3.4 million to assist more than 8,000 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. The foundation’s success is due in part to partnerships with companies like Merck Animal Health — the 2017 campaign sponsor — that share its passion for pets and supporting the people who care for them. For more information about Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month, or to make a donation or find a list of participating veterinary clinics, visit www.farleyfoundation.org.
Farley Foundation reaches milestone by helping 8,000th pet
The Farley Foundation, a charity helping low-income pet owners in Ontario, has reached a milestone by subsidizing the cost of veterinary care for its 8,000th pet. Established in 2001 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the foundation assists Ontario pet owners in financial need — including seniors, disabled individuals, women at risk of abuse and others receiving government assistance — by covering the cost of veterinary care for their sick or injured pets. In total, more than $3.3 million has been disbursed to assist pets and pet owners in need. “The Farley Foundation is based on a belief in the human-animal bond — that the relationship between humans and animals has an impact on the physical and emotional well-being of both parties,” says Dr. Dale Scott, the foundation’s president. “The foundation was created to help those who depend the most on their pets for love and companionship to continue to enjoy the company of their pets.” To date, 4,734 dogs and 3,208 cats have been helped, along with a variety of other pets, including guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, ferrets and reptiles. “I’m sure you understand how incredibly stressful the financial aspects of veterinary emergencies are on top of the surgical and emotional components,” says one disabled cat owner, who received funding when her best friend Murphy required emergency care for feline lower urinary tract disease treatment. “This has absolutely taken some of the pressure off, so I can focus more positively on Murphy’s recovery.” The foundation 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. For more information about the Farley Foundation, visit farleyfoundation.org.