Pet Owners & Veterinarians Ride to Support Pets & the People Who Love Them

MILTON, ON, Sept. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - The Farley Foundation is assisting more pet owners than ever before, thanks to the generosity of veterinary teams across Ontario. On Saturday, September 14, the annual Ride for Farley will bring together veterinarians, veterinary health professionals and pet owners who will cycle up to 160 km to raise funds and awareness for people and pets in need through the Farley Foundation.

Over the past four years, Ride for Farley has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars to help seniors, disabled individuals, Ontario Works recipients and women at risk of abuse pay for veterinary treatment when their pet is faced with a sudden illness or emergency medical situation. Since the charitable organization was established by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) in 2002, the Farley Foundation has disbursed more than $1.7 million to assist over 4,300 pet owners across the province. The foundation has been able to help an increasing number of pets each year thanks to the veterinarians and veterinary staff who participate in fundraisers like Ride for Farley, and the many donors who continue to support the foundation.

"As veterinarians, we understand firsthand the social, physical and emotional benefits of pet ownership," says Dr. Mark Gemmill, President of the Farley Foundation. "We recognize that the cost of veterinary care, particularly in an emergency situation, can be high for those who are on a limited income. The Farley Foundation was created by Ontario veterinarians to help alleviate the cost of veterinary bills for people in our communities who are struggling to make ends meet."

During Ride for Farley, generously sponsored by Summit Veterinary Pharmacy, Inc., 67 cyclists will pedal distances of 50, 100 or 160 km through the Milton, Burlington, Flamborough and Guelph areas. To view a list of the 2013 Ride for Farley cyclists, or to learn about other Farley events, please visit www.farleyfoundation.org.

Helping People. Healing Pets. Established by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the Farley Foundation assists low-income seniors, disabled individuals, women at risk of abuse (participating in OVMA's SafePet Program), Ontario Works recipients and pets in care facilities for seniors by subsidizing the non-elective veterinary care of their pets. Veterinary clinics apply for funding on behalf of pet owners. For a full list of eligibility criteria, please visit www.farleyfoundation.org.

SOURCE: The Farley Foundation

Julia Hayes, OVMA Communications Coordinator
[email protected] or 1.800.670.1702, ext. 25