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.
2019 Ride for Farley raises more than $77,000
The Summit Veterinary Pharmacy 2019 Ride for Farley took place in September with riders cycling up to 160 km and raising more than $77,000 to help people and pets in need. This year, the event expanded to welcome more riders. Veterinarians and veterinary staff could invite friends and family members to join the ride and contribute as a group to the lead rider’s fundraising goal. It was great to see families and friends spending time together on their bikes. Thank you to the event’s sponsor, Summit Veterinary Pharmacy, which generously provides volunteers and support vehicles to carry food, beverages, clothing and other equipment. For the last 10 years, Tim Plunkett of Speed River Bicycle has also been on hand to make sure everyone’s tires are properly inflated and wheels continue to spin freely! A special thank you also goes to Dr. Matthew Richardson, who raised more than $20,000 for this year’s event. Since opening its doors 17 years ago, the Farley Foundation has distributed $4.2 million to help more than 10,000 pet owners care for their sick and injured pets. More than $700,000 of that total has been raised through the annual Ride for Farley.
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!