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
Letter to donors
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Farley Foundation achieved success in 2020-21, thanks to the incredible support from donors, who continued to give generously and raise money to support people and animals in need. Since opening its doors in 2002, the foundation has now disbursed more than $5 million to almost 12,500 low-income pet owners to pay for veterinary care for their beloved pets.
The Farley Foundation was humbled and appreciative to receive several estate gifts, and along with regular donations from generous individuals, the foundation reached a significant milestone: it was the first year that generated more than $1 million in donations.
The Farley Foundation also owes a sincere thanks to the many businesses, small and large, which made contributions by sponsoring a fundraising participant, holding a fundraiser of their own or by 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 continued to hold fundraisers and raise money for people and pets, despite the foundation's biggest fundraising event, Fundraise for Farley Month, being cancelled due to the pandemic. Your dedication and support is appreciated!
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 2022.
Yours in philanthropy,
Dr. Matthew Richardson, President & John Stevens, Executive Director
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.
Kaya & Shadow
When Shadow was unable to put weight on her front leg, the timing couldn't have been worse. Between the pandemic and other expenses, funds were tight for her family. Thankfully, Shadow's veterinarian knew about the Farley Foundation and applied for funding to help with her care. Thanks to the Farley Foundation, Shadow received treatment for a puncture wound that resulted in cellulitis, and she's now recovering nicely.
I love the Farley Foundation. You guys helped remove my service dog's broken tooth, which was causing her immense pain. She’s been so much happier without it." ~ Shawnie
I want to thank the Farley foundation for the support and help with removing a tumor from my beautiful cat, Ben. He's doing amazing now, so thank you from the absolute bottom of my heart." ~ Lori
In 2020-2021, the Farley Foundation assisted:
- 640 Ontario Disability Support Program recipients
- 103 Ontario Works recipients
- 100 pet owners earning less than $25,000/year
- 98 seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement
- 68 Canada Pension Plan Disability recipients
- 27 participants in the SafePet Ontario program*
- 1 retirement home/long-term care facility
*SafePet Ontario helps to find temporary foster care for the pets of individuals seeking safety from domestic violence.
Thank you for helping us out with the medical care cost for our beloved dog Ender - there was no way we could have done it without your help because our family is on ODSP and our budget was not enough to take care of the medical bill." ~ Madeline
Emily & Bella
Bella was taken to the veterinarian when her owner Emily noticed that she was having difficulty eating. After an exam, it was determined that Bella had a slab fracture, which occurs when a piece of tooth breaks and exposes a very sensitive cavity. Bella required surgery, but as an Ontario Disability Support Program recipient, Emily was worried about affording her care. Thankfully, the Farley Foundation could help, and Bella received the veterinary care she needed and is back on the road to good health.
Special events
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Farley Foundation only held one fundraising event in 2020-2021 (the 2020 OVMA/Farley Foundation Golf Tournament and Fundraise for Farley Month were cancelled) :
- Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley
To follow health and safety guidelines, the Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley was held virtually in September 2020. Participants were invited to get active in their homes or communities with an activity of their choice. People throughout the province biked, hiked, kayaked and more to raise funds for Farley. Despite the challenges of holding a fundraiser during a pandemic, the event raised more than $65,000. The foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Summit Veterinary Pharmacy, the event’s title sponsor, and a big thank you also goes to all the participants and donors!
I am so grateful to the Farley Foundation – without its help, I could never have helped Miss Kitty. During this period of intense isolation, my cat has been such a comfort to me. It's hard to put into words how grateful I am to the Farley Foundation and to all those who support it." ~ Catherine
2020-21 Board of Directors
Thank you to the Farley Foundation Board of Directors:
- Dr. Matthew Richardson, President
- Mr. Randy Valpy, Vice-President
- Dr. Cheryl Birss
- Dr. Andrea Chapin
- Dr Gwen Jeun
- Dr. Barb O'Neill
- Mr. Doug Raven
- Dr. Sherri Rea
- Dr. Dale Scott
- Dr. Debbie Stoewen