Ottawa, ON (taken from ctvottawa.ca)
Residents across the city are wearing purple Tuesday to remember Daron Richardson and to encourage discussions about youth mental health.
Daron took her own life in November. Her family decided to go public with her story in hopes of preventing others from ending their lives.
Her father, Ottawa Senators assistant coach Luke Richardson, spoke to the media last week about his daughter's death.
He said their family discussed a lot of issues, but never mental health.
"We talk about a lot of things; sex, drugs, alcohol, bullying and the Internet. But there was one conversation we never had. Mental health. Suicide," said Richardson.
"We pray and hope that you have that conversation yourself, or with a friend or family member."
Daron would have celebrated her 15th birthday today. To honour her and to support the cause, her family has declared this Tuesday Do It For Daron Purple Pledge Day.
It's hoped the movement will help bring youth mental health to the forefront, and make teens aware that help is available.
If you need help or know someone who does, the following services are available:
- Kids' Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- Youth Services Bureau's 24/7 Crisis Line (Ottawa and eastern Ontario only): 1-800-377-7775
- Ottawa Crisis Line: 1-866-996-0991
- Quebec Crisis Line: 1-866-277-3553
- SuicidePrevention.ca
