Bungy jumpers will strip down for mental health during the ninth annual Naked Bungy.
Naked Bungy – the B.C. Schizophrenia Society’s largest fundraiser – is back at WildPlay Nanaimo this weekend, giving nude jumpers the chance to plunge for less while raising money for the cause.
It’s an event that has gone from fringe to mainstream, according to Tom Benson, chief experience officer for WildPlay, who said it started out as a legacy from the old days when people were allowed to jump for free if they were naked.
WildPlay created its own terms, offering the jump for $35 – a 73-per cent discount – to people who braved the 45-metre drop in the buff during a once-a-year charity event.
The weekend now attracts 200 people annually from across the globe – most of whom shed their inhibitions – and has raised close to $96,000 for schizophrenia and other serious mental health programs at BCSS Victoria.
“Jump off a bridge naked to help schizophrenia – it’s way out there, but it’s become a very popular, sought-after thing to do,” said Benson, adding there’s no question the two-day event will be completely booked.
“People get to do something that’s a bucket list thing for less than they normally would, that has a very unique spin on it ... and they get to make a difference for an illness that is really underfunded and misunderstood.”
The event is not only fun, but it’s a great way for people to strip away the stigma around mental health and show they care, says Hazel Meredith, executive director for BCSS Victoria.
One in 100 people will be diagnosed with schizophrenia in their lifetime, but only about 50 per cent of Canadians will tell friends or co-workers a family member has a mental illness and 42 per cent are unsure if they’d socialize with a friend who had mental illness.
“[Naked Bungy is] a fun way for people to come together, do something that’s really about bravery and about showcasing that people want to do something that’s really supportive of people with a mental illness,” she said.
Naked Bungy takes place Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 21-22), costing $35 for those in the buff and $130 for people wanting to jump fully clothed.
Net proceeds, as well as a $15 spectator fee, are given to the B.C. Schizophrenia Society. For more information, please visit www.wildplay.com/nakedbungyjump.
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