October 29, 2023
VMAC president Tod Gilbert bungy jumps to support the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society
Tod Gilbert, president of VMAC, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, joined 36 other business leaders in a daring leap to freefall 150 ft. over the Nanaimo River, bungy jumping to support the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society’s (NBIS) Toss The Boss fundraiser.
Toss The Boss participants raised more than $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,” Gilbert said. “But once they explained it was a fundraising event in support of NBIS, I knew I couldn’t resist the opportunity to bungy jump for a 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,” said Kix Citton, executive director, NBIS.
Arleigh MacNeill, VMAC safety coordinator, said, “VMAC is dedicated to prioritizing the health, wellbeing and safety of all coworkers. 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,” Gilbert said 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 camaraderie 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.”
