DIFD

In November of 2010, the world as we knew it changed.  Daron Richardson, a daughter, a friend and a teammate died by suicide.  Through the support of The Royal Ottawa  Mental Health Facility, Do It For Daron (DIFD) was born in her honor.  Initially started by friends and teammates DIFD focused on letting kids know its ok to not be ok.  What followed was and still is an amazing outpouring of love and dedication on the parts of many.  Kids now can talk to their friends, parents and teachers without feeling like they will be judged.  Purple Angels was started so that awareness for youth mental health and suicide prevention would continue.  All proceeds from sales of merchandise will go to DIFD at the Royal or DIFD at the Sens Foundation.

DIFD encourages young people to talk openly about mental illness and to ask for help when needed. DIFD provides young people, their parents, teachers, coaches and other adult role models with the resources, outlets and, most importantly, courage to overcome the shame and fear of discussing mental illness. The purple DIFD heart, a creation inspired by Daron’s favourite colour, has become the youth-driven symbol of this movement. It is a visual reminder that only love and awareness, not hiding in the shadows, can combat youth mental illness.

To date approximately 50000 wristbands and other merchandise has been sold, which is staggering when you consider the number of conversations that have been started because of this.  DIFD has had much support in the community and across North America.   We will continue to keep this conversation going and empowering youth to stand together and erase the stigma surrounding youth mental health and mental health in general.

 

DIFD Bracelets in support of Youth Mental Health