Charities
Whether you’re a first responder or a civilian, it’s our goal to make sure everyone can access the mental health services they need.
Help us support our mission for mental health by running for D.I.F.D. You can register to fundraise when you sign up to run.
If you’re already signed up to run and would like to support a charity, please contact racedirector@9runrun.ca
Do It For Daron
DIFD is focused on raising awareness and inspiring conversations about mental health. Created by friends and family of Daron Richardson who lost her life to suicide at the young age of 14, DIFD is inspired by hope for a future where people will reach out for help without fear or shame. Donate today and help us support the 1 in 3 who struggle with mental illness.
The funds raised by 9runrun participants and their donors will support two initiatives this year, through the Ottawa Senators Foundation and DIFD; the Ottawa First Responders PEER SUPPORT TEAM and The Youth Services Bureau (YSB) YOUTH HUB.
Peer Support Team:
Evidence shows that first responders are at least twice as likely compared to the general population to suffer Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD), due to the risk of the routine exposure to trauma stressors. The average person may experience an average of one traumatic incident in their lifetime. The average first responder will encounter 600 such incidents within their working life. The caring and dedicated members of the PEER SUPPORT TEAM are available to peers for daily support and critical incidents. Participation is voluntary and conversations are confidential. Members come from within the Ottawa Police, Paramedic and Fire services.
Youth Hub:
YSB and three community partners (Royal Ottawa Hospital, South East Ottawa Community Health Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association – Ottawa Branch) will offer integrated programs and services on the ground floor as part of an innovative Youth Hub model. This comprehensive, wrap-around programming is required to stabilize and support youth as they transition into adulthood. The Youth Hub will be focused on responding to youth needs and will offer existing YSB programs and services as well as that of its three community partners. This will provide youth residents with support in mental health, substance abuse, housing, employment, education, primary care and peer navigation.
