Toss the Boss runs Friday, Oct. 13 from WildPlay in Nanaimo, with over 30 bosses taking the 150-foot plunge over the Nanaimo River. (Nanaimo Brain Injury Society)

By Alex Rawnsley

toss the boss

Local bosses prepare for daring drop over Nanaimo River to raise money for brain injury survivors

Oct 2, 2023 | 5:29 AM

NANAIMO — For those registered to jump at Toss the Boss in mid-October, here are two pieces of advice: don’t think, and don’t look down.

Over 30 teams are registered for the third annual fundraiser for the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society, to be held at WildPlay Nanaimo on Friday, Oct. 13.

Bosses who have volunteered, or potentially peer-pressured, to take the 150-foot bungy jump over the Nanaimo River remain hard at work raising valuable funds for local brain injury survivors.

“Teams are raising a minimum of $1,000 but we’re encouraging folks to go above and beyond that minimum and we’re seeing some teams do really well, some teams who really want to see their boss fly off a bridge,” Kix Citton, executive director of the society, told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Jumpers will take the plunge from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with supporters looking on.

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The event has been a sizeable contributor in years past, with over $83,000 raised in its inaugural year in 2021, and well north of a $50,000 goal last year.

Funds were split between society chapters in Nanaimo and Victoria, however this year the mid-Island is going it alone and will benefit exclusively from the event.

Citton said the money will support their programming year-round.

“Helping [people with brain injury] connect to resources and information, to navigate the healthcare system. As we all know our healthcare system is stretched at this time and that’s where these community organizations step in to help bridge that gap from hospital to home.”

She added support is provided at no cost to the individual or their family and is not time-limited.

“We will work with that person for as long as they need us to be there. We co-create action plans with the individual and their family or caregiver, so we’re able to meet their goals. That can include support accessing income supports…housing applications, getting them a connection to other services.”

A wide range of organizations are supporting the event, from banks and construction companies to healthcare workers and media outlets.

Island Radio is represented this year by 102.3 The Wave’s Jen Schleuter.

“These bosses who are willing to show that leadership, to show that leadership, to show that support for brain injury survivors. It really galvanizes the support of colleagues and staff to get behind that person and say ‘hey, we really know this is a difficult thing to do and we’re going to get behind you’.”

The event again has a $50,000 goal to meet. As of Friday, Sept. 29, it was just over halfway there.

Donations can be made to the event or specific teams via the Society’s website.

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