This weekend marks the seventh annual nude bungee jumping event at WildPlay Elements Parks south of Nanaimo, with each year more successful than the last.
Organizers hope to top last year's total of 231 nude jumpers, during the annual fundraiser for mental health. Last year's total broke records and raised more than $15,000 for the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society.
It draws people from the Lower Mainland, U.S. and even Taiwan.
“We have a number of people from there,” said Hazel Meredith, BCSS executive director. “We get people come internationally to this event.”
In 2007 WildPlay's owners first offered use of their facility to BCSS, something the organization saw as an “appropriate fit” since it embodies the courage to face one's fears.
“For people to move through schizophrenia, it takes a lot of courage to move forward toward recovery,” Meredith said.
For nude jumpers, the rate is $35 per jump, pre-registered online (www.wildplay.com/ nakedbungy2013) or by phone at 1-888-716-7374 or $45, on-site. Fully dressed jumpers pay the usual rate, $99.99. Spectators can watch for $15 each. Jumping is Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All funds raised through guest and spectator fees, donations and pledges benefit the BCSS.
“I hope it's going to be the biggest and best ever,” Meredith said.
