ITHACA, N.Y. – As conference play heats up for Cornell sports teams, the Big Red will look to promote community awareness for two important causes during home events this weekend. Cornell women's hockey will kick off the weekend with its annual Do It For Daron fundraiser to benefit mental health awareness, while its will work in conjunction with men's basketball and men's hockey on Saturday for the annual Big Red vs. Cancer drive.
 
The weekend of awareness will begin on Friday, Jan. 30, at 3 p.m. as women's hockey will host Union for the team's Do It For Daron (D.I.F.D.) fundraiser game. The Do It For Daron organization was created following the passing of 14 year old Daron Richardson – younger sister to junior defender Morgan Richardson – in 2011. The organization strives to encourage people to consider the emotional and mental well-being of others through conversation and support.
 
The Big Red and the Dutchwomen ask all fans to join in taking special time to consider others with the following message:
 
"When we take the time to consider those around us we can make a difference – sometimes THE DIFFERENCE – when we pause to pay attention what we hear and often don't hear from a teammate, roommate, classmate, friend or loved one that raises concern. The importance to share our emotions, feelings and thoughts with others cannot be understated. Being there for others through conversation and support can make a huge difference."
 
All fans are encouraged to wear purple to Friday's game to show support for the cause. Information and fundraising efforts for the organization will take place in the Lynah Rink concourse. Fans are also encouraged to express their support on social media through the use of the hashtags: DIFD and BellLetsTalk. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, Bell Canada will donate $ 0.05 to the benefit of mental health awareness initiatives for each tweet with the #BellLetsTalk. Hear from current and former members of the women's hockey team about the D.I.F.D cause by watching their video.
 
Awareness weekend will continue on Saturday, Jan. 31, as the women's hockey team will join men's basketball and men's hockey in the fight against cancer in the annual Big Red vs. Cancer drive. Men's basketball will take-on Yale at 6 p.m. at Newman arena, while Lynah will host a hockey doubleheader with the Cornell women facing Rensselaer at 3 p.m. and the Cornell men clashing with Colgate at 7 p.m. The Big Red asks that all those in attendance unite in battling our one common opponent. From 3-to-9 p.m. the Big Red will work in conjunction with the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes and Be The Match organizations in cancer research fundraising and awareness.
 
To get involved in fundraising efforts or to help at the bone marrow registration table as part of the Be The Match program, please visit this link: Click Here. Cornell encourages all fans in attendance to show support by wearing pink and orange at the games, while fans can show their support on social media by using the hashtags BeTheMatch and TheUltimateAssist.
 
Check out this video produced by members of the women's hockey team at the following link: Click Here.
 
Cornell athletics hopes to see you support the Big Red and these two causes this weekend.