VMAC President Tod Gilbert recently made a daring leap to free-fall 150 feet over the Nanaimo River, bungee jumping to support the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society’s Toss The Boss fundraiser.
Thirty-six business leaders took the plunge to raise over $55,000 for programs supporting brain injury survivors, their families, and caregivers.
“When VMAC’s coworkers asked if they could toss me off a bridge, I wasn’t sure what to think,” says Gilbert. “But once they explained it was a fundraising event in support of the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society, I knew I couldn’t resist the opportunity to bungee jump for worthy cause.”
“The funds raised through Toss The Boss enable us to better meet the increasing need for critical services for brain injury survivors and their families, especially in areas like mental health, housing support and advocacy,” says Kix Citton, executive director of the NBIS.
VMAC is dedicated to prioritizing the health, wellbeing and safety of its wokers, according to Arleigh MacNeill, VMAC’s safety coordinator. “Our safety values align with the NBIS’ mission to create healthy, safe and inclusive communities for all, making the NBIS a great fit for VMAC’s corporate sponsorship program.”
“Our coworkers were really motivated to see me jump off a bridge,” says Gilbert with a laugh. “Team VMAC had to raise a minimum of $1,000 to secure my spot to jump, and we more than doubled that, raising $2,127. We have great comradery at VMAC. Our team ensured my safety, outfitting me with a bubble wrap suit, a cardboard helmet and the necessary safety signage. Having the team’s support as I took the leap felt great.”
