About DIFD

Do It For Daron (DIFD) supports education, awareness, and research initiatives at The Royal that encourage young people to talk openly about mental illness and to ask for help when needed.

The purple DIFD heart, a creation inspired by Daron’s favourite colour, has become the youth-driven symbol of this movement.

Daron’s Story

In November 2010, 14-year-old Daron Richardson died by suicide.

From this tragedy came a movement to transform youth mental health.

Daron’s parents Luke and Stephanie Richardson decided to transform their very private pain into a public call-to-action and made a decision to support young people who struggle with mental illness.

Supported by the energy and efforts of dozens of Daron’s close friends and classmates, a grassroots movement was formed with the mission of creating awareness, inspiring conversations, and transforming youth mental health.

“It moved from being about Daron, to being about each and every youth”

-Stephanie Richardson, Daron’s mom

What We Support

With the help of generous corporate partners and community events, DIFD raises thousands of dollars each year that help support youth mental health research and education led by The Royal.

DIFD-Mach Gaensslen Chair in Suicide Prevention Research

Our hope, is that in a matter of years the technology and information will exist that can save lives by predicting suicide risk.