Local veterinarian Doctor Brian MacCormick says that it doesn’t take money to care for a pet – just love. But when emergencies strike, sometimes love isn’t enough and difficult choices need to be made. An illness or accident can lead to high costs that some pet owners simply can’t afford.
That’s where the Farley Foundation comes in. It was founded in 2001 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) to subsidize the cost of veterinary care for pet owners who would otherwise be unable to afford the expense. Assistance is typically provided in cases of severe illness or injury.
Veterinarians can recommend patients to the Farley Foundation on a case-by-case basis, with a funding cap in effect for each clinic. Veterinarians, their staff and the veterinary industry provide the majority of funding used to support the Farley Foundation, with the remainder coming from fundraising initiatives. The foundation is run by the OVMA and fundraising is coordinated by staff and volunteers, which keeps administrative costs low.
MacCormick says that in the 14 years that he has been in business, he has always supported the Farley Foundation, which he says has been instrumental in assisting some of his clients.
On Saturday, September 24, MacCormick will be cycling 100 kilometres to raise money to support the foundation. He says he’s doing it because he thinks that pets deserve to be saved.
“It’s all about the pets and the strength of the bond we have with them. Pets can improve our lives,” said MacCormick.
Cycling 100 kilometres is no easy feat. MacCormick only took up the sport four years ago when one of his neighbours cleaned out their garage and asked him if he could use a bicycle.
He began cycling on Newton Road in Vankleek Hill, travelling a few kilometres at a time and gradually working up his distance and endurance. He now cycles at least three times each week and swims two other days. MacCormick says that cycling changed his life for the better.
“It’s made a huge difference in my health. I lost weight, increased my energy and have fewer headaches, and more stamina,” said MacCormick.
When he isn’t cycling on the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail or the back roads between Vankleek Hill and Glengarry, MacCormick is out adventuring with the Vélo Cycling Club of Hawkesbury.
This summer he has managed to increase his distance to 85 kilometres. When The Review spoke to him he had one week left to prepare for the 100-kilometre race. After 75 kilometres he says that fatigue starts to set in and things begin to hurt. He’s willing to put up with the pain for the Farley Foundation, which he says is worthy of the effort.
MacCormick’s personal goal is to raise $1,000 for the foundation and he says that he is optimistic he will meet it.
“There has been great support in the community. People are stopping me in town and they are all very happy and generous in their support. There’s a lot of love in this little town,” said MacCormick.
To make a donation visit www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-farley-foundation and indicate in the “Message to the Charity box,” that the donation is towards Brian’s Ride.
