Over 150 jumpers will take the plunge with barely an article of clothing between them on Saturday and Sunday, part of a huge fundraiser for Mental Health Recovery Partners. (WildPlay Nanaimo/MHRP)

By Alex Rawnsley

bungy in the buff

‘We raise eyebrows and we raise funds:’ naked bungy fundraiser returns to Nanaimo

Mar 2, 2024 | 6:10 AM

NANAIMO — “You’re up there, you’re nude, you’re scared and you have to trust that these professionals will get you through and keep you safe.”

Mental Health and Recovery Partners’ Hannah Monis said the act of bungy jumping in the buff is analogous for what the organization tries to do on a daily basis.

Back for its 18th year, the Naked Bungy Jump for MHRP on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3 sees jumpers who’ve fundraised for the organization take the 150-foot plunge at WildPlay Nanaimo.

“The reason why the people are jumping are put in such a vulnerable place, it’s a metaphor for what we do here,” Monis told NanaimoNewsNOW. “We have people coming to us in the most vulnerable place they’ve been in and they are putting their trust into professionals, that’s what the event is all about.”

Those jumping had to raise a minimum of $200 before taking the plunge.

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As of Friday, March 1, the campaign had raised over $27,000, money which will be matched by a long-time anonymous donor.

Last year saw over $80,000 contributed to the organization, to continue running their in-demand supports and services for those experiencing mental health challenges.

Many services are offered for free, however all are done with the mindset of eliminating as many barriers to accessing care as possible.

Monis said the event is certainly unique, especially for first time jumpers.

“We’ve definitely had some raised eyebrows in the past, but we raise eyebrows and we raise funds. Generally people are a little bit reticent, but in the past people have realized it is a very freeing and liberating thing to do.”

Those unwilling to take the jump themselves can still contribute, either through a stand-alone donation or paying the $15 spectator fee over the weekend at WildPlay.

Donations can also be made online until March 7.

More information on the event itself is available on the MHRP website.

Jumpers at WildPlay literally bare all as they take the 150 foot dive from a bridge to the chilly waters below. (Edward Nathanson/WildPlay Nanaimo)

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