Around 88 jumpers took the 150 foot plunge without their clothes at Wildplay, south of Nanaimo. (MHRP)

By Alex Rawnsley

bungy in the buff

Bungy jumpers strip away clothes, stigma of mental health struggles

Mar 9, 2020 | 7:35 AM

NANAIMO — Clothes, modesty and stigma were among the things shed at a long-standing fundraiser over the weekend south of Nanaimo.

The 14th annual Naked Bungy for MHRP (Mental Health Recovery Partners) ran Saturday, Mar. 7 and Sunday, Mar. 8 at Wildplay Element Park. The event raised around $35,000 for mental health services on Vancouver Island.

Hazel Meredith, MHRP South Island CEO told NanaimoNewsNOW the courage it takes to bungy in the buff is like the courage required to seek out recovery services.

“Tongue in cheek we talk about stripping away the stigma (of mental health),” Meredith said. “It’s a real chance for people to come together to make a difference and show the importance of community and support.”

Between 160-200 people take the plunge over the Nanaimo River each year, although numbers were down slightly this year.

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Michaela Jasper participated in the event. She took advantage of services provided by MHRP years ago and wanted the opportunity to give back.

“Getting up there, I’m scared…I have to be pushed off but that amazing rush lasts all day and it’s just an amazing feeling,” Jasper said. “We’re stripping our clothes away as well as our egos and being vulnerable, it takes a lot of courage to not only do a jump like this but to come out and seek help.”

Community has been a large focus of the event since it began in 2007. Meredith said the discussion amongst people who have struggled with mental health conditions can be very powerful in aiding recovery.

“We want to take it out of the shadows and bring it to the forefront,” Meredith said. “Our event helps get some conversations going whether it’s in the workplace or out in the community.”

Jumpers came from across the Island and BC. The furthest travelled from the eastern United States.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley