Congratulations Ontario! You've Helped over 3,700 Sick/Injured Pets & their Families

October is... P&G Pet Care Fundraise for Farley Month

MILTON, ON, Oct. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - This year, the Farley Foundation heads into its tenth annual awareness and fundraising campaign with the knowledge that Ontarians have been instrumental in raising and disbursing over $1.4 million to assist more than 3,700 sick/injured pets and their pet owners.

Opening its doors in 2002, the Farley Foundation assists low-income, at risk and challenged pet owners by subsidizing the non-elective/emergency veterinary care of the pets that truly mean the world to them.

"The idea for the charity started off as community outreach program through the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association," says Dr. Mark Gemmill, veterinarian and president of the Farley Foundation. "Little did we know back then, that Ontario pet owners would come together as quickly and fervently as they did to help the charity grow and have the kind of effect it's had on Ontario families."

"Our supporters are pet owners themselves who cannot imagine having to give up or euthanize a pet because they can't afford the veterinary medical care the pet needs," says Dr. Gemmill "Knowing how big a role pets play in their own lives, Farley Foundation supporters are incredibly empathetic to people who have pets and through no fault of their own are no longer able to help see that pet through an illness or serious injury."

To show your support of pets and the role they play in your lives, visit your regular veterinary clinic/hospital this October during the 2012 P&G Pet Care Fundraise for Farley Month campaign to purchase our 10^th anniversary reusable, foldable, fabric tote bag or to participate in their local campaign. With over 300 veterinary clinics participating across Ontario, Farley Foundation activities can be found across the province on any given day during October, with some veterinary clinics holding animal fairs, petting zoos, "vet for a day" opportunities for kids, comedy nights, dog walks... the list goes on and on.

The 2011 campaign raised over $220,000 and we are hopeful for an even more successful campaign this October. Visit an Ontario veterinary clinic during the P&G Pet Care Fundraise for Farley Month campaign (October) and help us make a difference to people and pets in need. The campaign is generously sponsored by P&G Pet Care, manufacturer of IAMS, IAMS Veterinary Formula and Eukanuba pet foods.

Can't make it to a clinic? Read about the people and pets we've helped to date, find more details about the Farley Foundation or make a donation directly at www.farleyfoundation.org

Plus... Buy a plush Farley or Farley golf head cover throughout the month of October and receive a free P&G Pet Care pet food scoop and key chain! (while supplies last -- visit www.farleyfoundation.org for details)

Eligibility: Seniors receiving GIS, disabled individuals receiving either ODSP or CPP Disability, Ontario Works recipients, pets belonging to seniors' care facilities, and women at risk of abuse (SafePet participants). Other conditions apply. For full details, speak with your veterinarian or visit www.farleyfoundation.org

Established in 2002 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the Farley Foundation assists low-income pet owners by subsidizing the non-elective veterinary care of the pets that mean the world to them. Applications for Farley Foundation funding are made through veterinary clinics. Anyone concerned about the health of their pets should seek the assistance of their regular veterinarian.

SOURCE: The Farley Foundation

Media inquiries only: Nadia Vercillo, Manager of Development & Public Relations, 416.231.1591 or [email protected]