The Equine Foundation of Canada

 

About Us

The Equine Foundation of Canada is the first charitable organization devoted to equines to be registered by Revenue Canada. It was registered February 1, 2020 by the founder George Wade of Kentville, Nova Scotia. George's concern about the well being of horses was his reason for forming the Equine Foundation and he served as the president of the organization from its inception in 1983 until his passing in 1997.

At that time Vice-President  Eldon Bienert of Leduc, Alberta, took over as President and continues in that position to this time.

The purpose of the Foundation is to aid in the health and welfare of the horse with its programs being unbiased as to the breed of horse or area of the country.

It is a Registered Charity with all donations being tax deductible and an official receipt is issued to the donor. The fundraising is carried out by dedicated volunteers across Canada and 100% of the donations are used to maintain the organization and maintain the various programs.

The programs of the Equine Foundation at this time mainly involve providing funding to the five Canadian veterinarian universities which are:

  • The Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

  • The Equine Research Centre, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario

  • The University of Montreal Veterinary College, St. Hyacinthe, Quebec

  • The Atlantic University Veterinary College, Charlottetown, P.E.I.

  • University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, Alberta

EFC President Eldon Bienert and Alberta Director Bob Watson visited the University of Calgary Veterinary department to view the especial built horse being used to teach about colic.  Funding from the Equine Foundation was used to have this 'horse' made.

The Equine Foundation of Canada provided a grant to the Equine Research Centre, University of Guelph, to purchase a new 'super computer' which was utilized by Dr Vale, a world-renowned specialist in equine pulmonary disease, for his research. Nancy Kavanagh, EFC Secretary, and Tina Collins, a stalwart supporter of EFC, met with staff of the centre and Dr Vale to present the cheque.

 

A computer generated view of new type of sling used to lift horses after surgery, purchased by the facility at St. Hyacinthe with a grant from the Equine Foundation of Canada.

 

EFC group visits the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, P.E.I. on April 1st, 2009.  Background: Dr Art Ortenburger of AVC demonstrates some of the Chiropractic equipment. From left: Lyle Dietz, Alberta; Laurie Lyons, B.C.; Andre Laurin, Quebec; Bob Watson, Alberta EFC Director; Charlene Dalen-Brown, Saskatchewan, EFC Vice- President; Eldon Bienert, Alberta, EFC President; Peggy McDonald, Alberta;Andrea Ludwig & friend, New Brunswick.

The Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island was recently awarded a grant by the Equine Foundation of Canada to support the development of chiropractic services for horses. The new service will mark the first time in Canada that chiropractic training will be offered to doctor of veterinary medicine students.

 

WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes accepts a $10,000 cheque from Charlene Dalen-Brown, vice president of the Equine Foundation of Canada (EFC). The $10,000 gift from the EFC was matched by the Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé Foundation.
The new funding will support the WCVM’s ongoing research investigations of equine sarcoids — the most commonly diagnosed skin tumours in horses around the world.

 

As all the colleges have equipment needs for research purposes and treatment of equine patients, which are not covered in their budgets, at the present time the Foundation is providing monies for some of these. Between 1985 and 1996 sixty-five veterinary students at Saskatoon, Guelph, St Hyacinthe and PEI vet colleges, who were specializing in Equine studies, were awarded $1000.00 scholarships by EFC.  Lyne Farmer received hers in 1988.

Public equine education is meant to help and inform horse owners about keeping their horses healthy and fit, as well help prevent abuse though knowledge of good horse care.

Foundation Registered February 1st, 1983

Business Number    BN 89350 3888 RR 0001

Canada Revenue Agency

www.cra-arc.ge.ca/charities