The Equine Foundation of Canada is the first charitable organization devoted to equines to be registered by Revenue Canada. It was registered February 1, 1983 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. Eldon retired as President until March 2015 and was succeeded by Bob Watson.
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 University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, Alberta
- 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.
As all the colleges have equipment needs for research purposes and treatment of equine patients the Foundation is providing funding to assist in their purchase.
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 proper horse care.
Foundation Registered February 1st, 1983
Business Number BN 89350 3888 RR 0001
Canada Revenue Agency
www.cra-arc.ge.ca/charities