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.
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. The foundation was created to assist elderly, disabled and other pet owners who depend heavily on their pets for love and companionship to be able to continue to enjoy the company of their pets for as long as possible. ~ Dr. Dale Scott, Farley Foundation president
Letter to donors
The Farley Foundation reached major milestones over the past year. Since opening its doors in 2002, the foundation has now disbursed over $3.5 million to assist more than 8,400 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 2018.
Yours in philanthropy,
Dr. Dale Scott, President & Doug Raven, Executive Director
WHY I GIVE
Being able to donate to the Farley Foundation is very important to me. I've been lucky to be able to afford proper pet care through the years and I can't imagine having to give up a pet just because of lack of funds. Pets get us up in the morning and no matter our mood, they just want our love. If I can just help one pet then it's most definitely worth it. Thank you Farley Foundation for everything you do. ~ Helen, London, Ont.
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.
I just want to say thank you for all your support regarding my dog Chichi’s dental surgery. I rescued Chichi from a very neglected home and she's my baby. I'm disabled and really appreciate the foundation’s help. ~ Lori
My dog Bogey fell down the stairs a few weeks ago and he needed some tests done. My boyfriend was in a tragic accident a year ago and Bogey means the world to him. We're both so happy that the foundation was able to take care of my dog. The Farley Foundation is amazing. They have a true love for animals, and I would recommend anyone to make a donation to the foundation to help pets that need it! Thank you for caring for Bogey! ~ Denise
In 2016-2017, the Farley Foundation assisted:
- 631 Ontario Disability Support Program recipients
- 110 seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement
- 93 Canada Pension Plan Disability recipients
- 86 Ontario Works recipients
- 6 participants in OVMA's SafePet Program*
*The SafePet Program helps to find temporary foster care for the pets of women seeking refuge in an Ontario women's shelter.
I came home and found Lulu laying on the couch. Just by looking at her I knew something was wrong. I rushed her to my veterinary hospital and they said she needed surgery right away. But when they told me the cost, my heart broke because I knew I couldn't pay for the surgery my best friend needed. Then the hospital told me about the Farley Foundation, which was able to cover the cost of the surgery. I cannot thank you enough. You are a godsend. Thank you again! ~ Tammy
Special events
About half of the funds raised by the Farley Foundation in 2016-2017 came from three fundraising events:
- Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley
- Royal Canin Fundraise for Farley Month
- OVMA/Farley Foundation Golf Tournament
The Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley was held in September 2016. Veterinarians, friends and family rode up to 100 km in Milton and several other locations across the province, raising $94,000 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 the riders and donors, with special recognition going to Dr. Matthew Richardson, who raised more than $18,000.
Royal Canin Fundraise for Farley Month was held in October 2016. Hundreds of veterinary practices across Ontario pitched in to raise more than $270,000 in support of the foundation. Events included dog washes, raffles, pet costume contests, even a long-distance swimming challenge. Thank you to all the participating clinics! The top fundraiser was Oakpark Pet Hospital in Oakville, which raised more than $11,600. The Farley Foundation would like to thank title sponsor Royal Canin and gold sponsor Petsecure Pet Health Insurance for their generous support.
The OVMA/Farley Foundation Golf Tournament was held in August 2017 at Victoria Park Golf and Country Club in Guelph. The event included 148 golfers who enjoyed a great day on the links and raised $28,000 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.
“Thank you for allowing me to keep my best buddy without having to pick between his health, and food or electricity. You give dignity to people who have been beaten down on a regular basis. I wouldn't be here if not for him. From the absolute bottom of my heart, thank you.” ~ Tanya
Daniel & Feisty
When Feisty developed a cyst on her ear, her owner Daniel didn't know how he would afford treatment. But his veterinarian knew about the Farley Foundation and applied for funding to cover Feisty's veterinary care. "I think she knows I'm happy that she's with me," says Daniel of Feisty. Here's their story.
Board of Directors
Thank you to the Farley Foundation Board of Directors:
- Dr. Dale Scott, President
- Ms. Bonnie Kotnik, Vice-President
- Dr. Cheryl Birss
- Dr. Andrea Chapin
- Mr. John Hayward
- Dr. Rob Jones
- Dr. Matthew Richardson
- Dr. Debbie Stoewen
- Mr. Randy Valpy
Helping People. Healing Pets
Credits:
Created with images by cofluoxetine - "Man's Best Friend." • Chinda Sam - "untitled image" • Angelina Litvin - "Lap dog" • nomao saeki - "Stroking a yawning dog"