Look who's Cycling Now

Veterinary professionals cycle up to 160 km in a single day to assist people and pets across Ontario

MILTON, ON, Sept. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Veterinarians will join together on Saturday, September 20 to raise awareness and funds for the Farley Foundation, a registered Ontario charity that assists low-income pet owners by subsidizing the non-elective veterinary medical care of their sick/injured pets.

The annual Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley is a relatively low-profile event that packs a big punch, raising more than $350,000 in recent years, with $106,000 raised in 2013 alone.

This year's ride will see 53 cyclists (veterinarians, veterinary staff, veterinary students and pet owners) tackle 50, 100 and 160 km routes through the scenic and hilly landscape of southwestern Ontario. Beginning their day in Milton, ON, the various groups will wind their way through Halton region and into surrounding areas such as Burlington, Flamborough, Hamilton and Guelph.

"The Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley is a fun and challenging event that helps fund veterinary care for pets belonging to low-income pet owners," says Dr. Mark Gemmill, veterinarian and President of the Farley Foundation (and annual participant in the event). "It's never easy to watch a family pet struggle with an illness or injury, but the experience is exponentially difficult to bear when you can't afford necessary veterinary care," says Dr. Gemmill.

Since opening its doors in 2002, the Farley Foundation has disbursed over $2.2 million to assist well over 5,500 people and pets in need, including:

3,212 dogs
7 ferrets
2,228 cats
2 chinchillas
18 rabbits
6 guinea pigs
1 snake
1 horse
4 rats
2 bearded dragons
1 hairless rat
1 hamster
23 birds
1 turtle


4,642 Disabled/challenged individuals receiving the Ontario Disability Support Payment, or CPP Disability
486 Seniors receiving the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
241 Ontario Works recipients
21 Women at risk of abuse who are participating in the OVMA SafePet Program
15 pets owned by seniors' care facilities

Cyclists will begin their day at 420 Bronte Street South in Milton, ON. Members of the media are invited to attend the send-off ceremony which takes place at 9 a.m., Saturday, September 20.

IMAGE ALERT: Visit www.farleyfoundation.org to check out the new event logo featuring original artwork by Canadian artist and cartoonist, Lynn Johnston, creator of the For Better or For Worse® internationally syndicated comic strip.

The annual event is generously sponsored by Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Inc.

Support our people/pets in need by making a donation at www.farleyfoundation.org
View a full list of this year's Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley participants.
Read stories from people and pets assisted through the Farley Foundation.

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.

Eligibility: Seniors receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement, disabled individuals receiving either the Ontario Disability Support Payment 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.

SOURCE The Farley Foundation

For further information: For media inquiries only, contact Nadia Vercillo, Manager, Development & Public Relations, 1.800.670.1702, ext. 32 or nvercillo@farleyfoundation.org