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The Farley Foundation 2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The Farley Foundation was established by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association in 2002 to assist low-income pet owners who can't afford to pay for veterinary care for their beloved 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. 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.” ~ Dr. Matthew Richardson, Farley Foundation president
Subsiding the cost of veterinary care

Letter to donors

The Farley Foundation reached a major milestone in the summer of 2019 by helping its 10,000th pet! Since opening its doors in 2002, the foundation has now disbursed over $4.3 million to assist low-income pet owners to pay for veterinary care for their beloved pets.

The foundation’s success would not be possible without the incredible support it receives from individual donors, both within and outside of the veterinary profession, who give generously and raise money through events like Ride for Farley to support people and animals in need. The foundation also owes a sincere thanks to the many corporations who have made contributions, either by sponsoring fundraising events or by generously donating to support the foundation’s work.

Last, but certainly not least, the foundation would like to thank the hundreds of veterinary practices across Ontario who participate in Fundraise for Farley Month, the foundation’s largest fundraiser, and help to raise funds for the foundation throughout the year.

To everyone whose support has enabled the Farley Foundation to make a difference in so many lives, thank you for your generosity, your trust, and your commitment to assisting pet owners and pets in need. With your continued support, the Farley Foundation will be able to assist even more people and pets in 2020.

Yours in philanthropy,

Dr. Matthew Richardson, President & Doug Raven, Executive Director

WHY I GIVE

“I applaud the Farley Foundation for its ongoing, dedicated mission to help those owners with limited income to provide necessary veterinary care to their pets. I am proud to contribute to this excellent foundation and may it continue to improve the quality of the lives of the pets and their owners for years to come.” ~ Elizabeth

Your impact: who we helped

Sharing our lives with an animal helps us treat stress, depression, high blood pressure, and increases social interaction and physical activity. The simple act of petting an animal has been shown to lower your heart rate and increase a sense of well-being. Looking after our pets also contributes to our sense of purpose. For many who are elderly or have a disability, or who are struggling financially, this is critical to their well-being.

Bernice & Murphy

While out for a walk on one of their favourite trails, Murphy suffered a cranial cruciate ligament rupture in his back leg. After a trip to an emergency hospital, it was determined Murphy would require surgery. As a pensioner, Bernice wasn't sure how she would afford Murphy's veterinary care. Happily, the Farley Foundation was able to help. "Friends told me that I had to be realistic and that I should have Murphy euthanized because of my financial circumstances," she says. "They don’t understand. Now I don’t even need to consider that option. We have a future!"

"I would like to thank my veterinary clinic and the Farley Foundation for helping me when my cat, Ellie, was sick. Their generosity makes it possible for myself and other seniors on a fixed retirement income to have a life-enhancing pet and be able to take better care of them if an illness arises. I'm so happy and relieved that Ellie is now back to her happy, contented, purring self!" ~ Judy

During the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the Farley Foundation paid for veterinary care for 991 pets, including:

  • 607 dogs
  • 373 cats
  • 4 guinea pigs
  • 2 birds
  • 2 ferrets
  • 2 reptiles
  • 1 rabbit
“When I found out my dog Lexxi needed surgery, I was so stressed. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do because I’m on a limited income. I’m forever thankful to the Farley Foundation for the amazing work it does and for allowing my best friend to have the surgery she needed. ~ Shannon

In 2018-2019, the Farley Foundation assisted:

  • 663 Ontario Disability Support Program recipients
  • 121 seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement
  • 98 Ontario Works recipients
  • 84 Canada Pension Plan Disability recipients
  • 20 pet owners earning less than $25,000/year
  • 4 participants in OVMA's SafePet Program*
  • 1 retirement home/long-term care facility

*The SafePet Program helps to find temporary foster care for the pets of women seeking refuge in an Ontario women's shelter.

My (dog) Sicily had to have some very serious surgery. The Farley Foundation gracefully helped out with the bill and I am forever grateful. Her birthday is tomorrow and she will be 12. I didn't think I would have her tomorrow to celebrate. ~ Robert

Ryan & Cedar

When Cedar wasn't feeling well, Ryan took him to their veterinarian for a check up. Their vet discovered that Cedar had a life-threatening condition called immune mediated hemolytic anemia, which causes Cedar's immune system to destroy his own red blood cells. Cedar needed to be hospitalized and was put on medication. Ryan is a graduate student and earns less than $25,000 a year, and was worried about how he would afford his best friend's surgery. Happily, his veterinarian knew about the Farley Foundation and applied for funding. Cedar received the veterinary care he needed, along with a treatment plan to manage his condition. Now that he feels better, Cedar and Ryan are back to enjoying all their favourite outdoor activities, including hiking and paddle boarding.

Special events

About half of the funds raised by the Farley Foundation in 2018-2019 came from three fundraising events:

  1. Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley
  2. Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month
  3. OVMA/Farley Foundation Golf Tournament

The Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley was held in September 2018. Veterinarians, friends and family rode up to 160 km, raising $60,000 for the Farley Foundation. The foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Summit Veterinary Pharmacy, the event’s title sponsor, for supporting the event financially, and providing volunteers and support vehicles. A big thank you also goes to all the riders and donors!

2018 Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley.

Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month was held in October 2018. Hundreds of veterinary practices across Ontario pitched in to raise more than $278,000 in support of the foundation. Events included dog washes, raffles, pet costume contests and a charity swim. Thank you to all the participating clinics! The top fundraiser was Orillia and District Veterinary Services, which raised more than $7,600. The Farley Foundation would also like to thank title sponsor Merck Animal Health Canada for its generous support.

Veterinary practices across Ontario participate in 2018 Bravecto Fundraise for Farley Month.

The OVMA/Farley Foundation Golf Tournament was held in August 2019 at Victoria Park Golf and Country Club in Guelph. The event included 100 golfers who enjoyed a great day on the links and raised $26,000 for the Farley Foundation. Thank you to the golfers and the many companies that supported the event, and for their support of people and pets in need.

2019 OVMA/Farley Foundation Golf Tournament.

In 2019, the Farley Foundation also received a donation of $15,000 from Boehringer Ingelheim.

Farley Foundation President Dr. Matthew Richardson accepts a $15,000 donation from Dr. Fran Rotondo from Boehringer Ingelheim.
Thank you for helping me save Daisy's life. I hope by paying it forward, others in my position will be able to get the help I was so lucky to receive. I'm so thankful for your organization and for the help you provide to those who struggle financially be able to help their special furry family members. ~ Katharine

10,000 pets helped

In the summer of 2019, the Farley Foundation reached a huge milestone when it helped its 10,000th pet – a cat named Baby (left).

Baby was experiencing weight loss, lethargy and a loss of appetite, and needed testing to determine the cause. Baby’s owner relies on the Ontario Disability Support Payment and was unsure how she would afford Baby’s veterinary care. Happily, their veterinarian knew about the Farley Foundation and applied for funding to help cover the cost.

A big thank you to all our donors, sponsors and veterinary teams for supporting our cause – we couldn’t do it without you

Helping even more people and pets

In 2019, the Farley Foundation expanded its eligibility criteria to include pet owners earning less than $25,000 a year.

Financials

Because the Farley Foundation is administered by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, its overhead costs are very low. That means that more of every donor dollar goes towards assisting pets and pet owners in need.

WHY I GIVE

We are supporters of this very worthy organization. It's our go-to for in memoriam gifts when a friend loses a pet member of their family. We love what they do. ~ Deborah

Board of Directors

Thank you to the Farley Foundation Board of Directors:

  • Dr. Matthew Richardson, President
  • Ms. Bonnie Kotnik, Vice-President
  • Dr. Cheryl Birss
  • Dr. Andrea Chapin
  • Dr. Rob Jones
  • Dr. Dale Scott
  • Dr. Debbie Stoewen
  • Mr. Randy Valpy

Helping People. Healing Pets