Twelve local residents are taking an extreme approach to fundraising by jumping out of a plane this weekend.
Members of the Business Network International (BNI) group in Bradford West Gwillimbury are raising money for DeafBlind Ontario Services, with a goal of at least $6,000.
And they need your help.
Along with the diver’s individual pledges and fundraising efforts, the group is hosting a fundraising event at Made in Mexico in Bradford on May 30 at 5:30 p.m.
“The purpose of the event (is) to create a really extreme fundraiser. Something that really gets people’s attention to highlight things we really take for granted,” said Bradford BNI president Amber Smith. “We’re so capable of overcoming our fears.”
DeafBlind Ontario Services aims to help people who are deaf and blind increase their independence and improve their quality of life through specialized services.
Smith, who has been skydiving three times before, said the experience is “terrible but in the most exhilarating way.”
“You have that couple seconds of fear when you’re leaving the plane. Then you’re free-falling through the air. When the shoot goes … it’s just complete tranquility,” she said. “It feels very empowering. If I can do this … I can do anything.”
Members of the public are welcome to come out to watch the divers June 3 at Skydive Toronto at 3065 4th Line in Cookstown. The divers expect to be in the air no later than 9:30 a.m.
“We obviously welcome the community to come out, learn about the charity, spectate the event, (and) see us be crazy,” Smith said.
To make a donation, visit the event's fundraising page.
