TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The best fundraisers are those who are passionate about the cause they support. Dr. Matthew Richardson and the staff at The Animal Clinic in Toronto are exceptional examples of this. In the last four years, he and his clinic have raised over $40,000 for the Farley Foundation during the annual Ride for Farley cycling event. Dr. Richardson beat his own record as the 2012 Ride for Farley top fundraiser by raising an incredible $15,000 in support of his 160 km ride on September 14. The Ride for Farley is one of three annual fundraisers that support pet owners on limited incomes by paying for the cost of their pets' unexpected veterinary care in the event of a sudden illness or accident.
"Pets are a tremendous source of unconditional love and companionship for pet owners. I know I speak for all veterinarians when I say that helping animals and the people who care for them is a big motivator in our profession - this is what drives us to keep fundraising and expanding the reach of the Farley Foundation each year," says Dr. Richardson.
The Foundation is pleased to award Dr. Richardson with the 2013 Dr. Jim Hysen Friend of Farley Award, presented to individuals who make extraordinary contributions to the Farley Foundation through volunteerism and a commitment to helping people and pets. The award was inspired by Dr. Jim Hysen, a veterinarian who was a passionate supporter of the Foundation and who donated his time to helping thousands of people and pets throughout his career.
To date, the Foundation has disbursed over $1.7 million to assist over 4,300 people and pets in need. During the month of October, the charity will hold its largest fundraiser, the P&G Pet Care Fundraise for Farley Month. Last year's Farley month fundraised over $220,000 in support of pets belonging to seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), disabled persons receiving the Ontario Disability Support Payment (ODSP)or the CPP Disability Payment, Ontario Works recipients, women at risk of abuse who are residing in a women's shelter, and pets in senior care facilities.
Help us help pets across Ontario! Get involved by visiting participating veterinary clinics during the month of October. For a list of participating clinics in your area, please visit: http://www.farleyfoundation.org/extrapages/fffm_participants_2013.html
Image with caption: "Dr. Mathew Richardson accepts the 2013 Friend of Farley Award from Farley Foundation President, Dr. Mark Gemmill just before embarking on his 160 km Ride for Farley on September 14th. Dr. Richardson (with the help of his staff) has been the top fundraiser for the Ride for Farley for four years in a row raising over $40,000 for people and pets in need. (CNW Group/The Farley Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130926_C4865_PHOTO_EN_31417.jpg
SOURCE: The Farley Foundation
For all other inquiries, please contact:
Julia Hayes, OVMA Communications Coordinator
[email protected] or 1.800.670.1702, ext. 25
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