And now for something completely different ...

... from the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society.

Naked Jumpers take the Plunge

Bungy fans let it all hang out to raise money for mental health organization

An article published in the January 4 the edition of the Nanaimo Daily News:

By Paul Walton

Jumpers at a popular annual nude bungy jump will be removing a stigma as they remove their clothes.

The event, set for Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 at WildPlay at the Bungy Zone south of Nanaimo, will raise awareness and money for the B.C. Schizophrenia Society. WildPlay president and general manager Tom Benson said this is the second year the event will benefit the Schizophrenia Society.

Benson said his own experience in seeing schizophrenia in a family member drew his organization to link up with the society.

"They made a big difference . . . and we think mental illness is under-supported," said Benson. "We said, 'let's make a difference where it really counts.'"

Nadine Saunders, a spokeswoman with the Schizophrenia Society, said last year's event pulled in $4,000, and they hope to double that this year. And though the cost to naked bungy jumpers is $25 (and the regular $99 for clothed leapers), oglers will be charged $10 to get in the park on that weekend.

The drop is 50 metres to the bottom of the Nanaimo River gorge with a harness around the ankles. Asked if she would participate, Saunders was resolute.

"No way!" she said, but noted she will be on the platform for both days to assist with donations.

All proceeds go to the Schizophrenia Society, and Benson hopes to see people from all over the Island in a generous mood on both days.

"We'd love to see support from the community, people offering sponsorships and making donations," he said.

Saunders said she was a little concerned when the naked angle was raised to the Schizophrenia Society board last year.

"A lot of our members are older, and I thought it would be more controversial but all our board members had no problem with it," she said.

While fundraising is important, both Saunders and Benson said the event is also important to raise awareness about schizophrenia. Benson said that most people are touched by mental illness among family or friends, if not personally.

Click here for the event poster (PDF).

Event location not exactly as illustrated.