A sell out of 160 jumpers took a courageous leap of the bungy bridge at WildPlay Nanaimo in support of mental health supports and services. (Kat Craats/WildPlay Nanaimo)

By Alex Rawnsley

SMASHING STEREOTYPES

Buff & brave bungy jumpers strip to support mental health services

Mar 9, 2022 | 5:15 AM

NANAIMO — A lot of courage but little clothing was displayed during a vital weekend fundraising event.

The annual Naked Bungy jump held at WildPlay Nanaimo and in support of Mental Health Recovery Partners (MHRP) smashed a $35,000 fundraising goal by collecting just over $100,000 to run its programs and services across Vancouver Island.

MHRP South Island CEO Hazel Meredith told NanaimoNewsNOW, 160 people took the plunge over two days into Nanaimo River beginning Saturday, March 5 to raise money and shed stigma surrounding mental health challenges and accessing help.

“When people are looking for help, it’s sometimes not that easy to find and it takes a lot of courage to say ‘I need help.’ You don’t need a referral to call us or to connect with our services and we really strive to make sure our programs are at no cost to the person coming in.”

Victoria based MHRP provides in-person and virtual mental health supports and services for the entirety of Vancouver Island.

time served

Nanaimo man caught with over 30g of illicit drugs avoids additional jail time

25m ago

big return

Senior women's box lacrosse returns to Nanaimo after 10+ year absence

51m ago

environmental impacts

Accidental pump activation causes minor oil slick in Nanaimo marina

2h ago

Services include peer support and training, counselling and family support.

This year marked the 16th edition of the fundraiser with over $450,000 raised in its history.

Jumpers had to fundraise at least $200 to take the leap off the bridge at WildPlay. Donations were matched by an anonymous donor which helped MHRP exceed their goal.

As a result, well over 600 people will have easier, more streamlined access to mental health services.

“We want to make sure people feel safe, they can share what they’re concerned about and we can help them with an individualized plan whether it’s for themselves or a family member,” Meredith said.

Many of the people working with MHRP also have lived experience with their own mental health challenges, providing a first-person perspective for clients.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

alex@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley