Skydiving Santas Jumping to Save Lives
On 29 November, several brave souls, including Butterfly Foundation’s CEO, will be jumping out of an aeroplane to raise much needed funds for Wandi Nerida – Australia’s first and most established residential recovery centre for eating disorders.
Wandi Nerida, owned by Butterfly Foundation, is a not-for-profit organisation, filling the critical treatment gap between community and acute hospital care for those who need extended support to turn their life around.
“By the time our average participant arrives at Wandi Nerida, they will have experienced an eating disorder for many years, have at least one other diagnosed mental illness, have had many hospital admissions, and attended countless appointments with GPs, psychologists and dietitians,” said Wandi CEO, Brian Mayahle.
“For many, Wandi feels like their ‘last hope’. Our skydivers are taking their own leap of faith, as does every participant who arrives at Wandi Nerida for treatment, to support people living with these complex illnesses.”
The 13-bed private hospital facility provides a safe, nurturing and healing environment for those most in need, delivering concentrated, person-centred treatment. The program provides a bridge between hospital admission and outpatient care to provide an opportunity for a more intensive psychological recovery, finding the ‘healthy self’ amidst the eating disorder.
Past participant of Wandi Nerida, Tyler-May, said “As someone who almost lost hope, Wandi Nerida gave me the second chance at life I’d always dreamed of. The freedom and happiness I’ve gained since fully recovering is something I wish for everyone still struggling with an eating disorder, and Wandi Nerida makes that reality possible.”
Butterfly CEO, Jim Hungerford, will be one of the Wandi skydivers. He said: “I’m scared of heights (and honestly a bit more than ‘scared’). But every day people struggling with an eating disorder, struggling for their life and their future, are finding the courage to reach out to seek help. To make the decision that will help change their life. The decision to try a completely new treatment at Wandi Nerida, the decision to call the Butterfly Helpline, the decision that finally may help them overcome an illness they’ve been struggling with for years. To make the call on behalf of their child, because they know that if they don’t, they may not have that child in the future.
“And if I’m not willing to face my fears, how can I expect this of them? I’m facing my fears and jumping out of that plane, to raise money so that when someone finds that courage, Butterfly will be there to help.”
Skydivers will be dressed in ‘Aussie Christmas’ themed clothing, from surfing koala t-shirts to beach Santa boardshorts. Wandi Nerida is partnering with Skydive Australia for this colourful and significant fundraiser, and members of the public are invited to donate to this worthy cause. Locals are also encouraged to come along to watch the skydivers land at Stumers Creek parkland, Coolum, and visit Wandi Nerida at their gazebo for refreshments and stall items.
To learn more, visit https://skydiving-santas2.raiselysite.com/signup
-ENDS-
Media Contact:
Zoe Bradbury, Communications Manager, Butterfly Foundation,
Ph: 0400 585 855
E: zoe.bradbury@butterfly.org.au
Media spokespeople
Jim Hungerford, Butterfly CEO
Tyler Mae, Wandi alumni, Lived Experience
Brian Mayahle, Wandi Nerida CEO
Please advise if you would like a local case study of someone who has attended Wandi Nerida.
About Wandi Nerida
Wandi Nerida is a 13-bed private hospital facility that operates under a residential model of care for the treatment of those affected by eating disorders. It is owned and operated by Butterfly Foundation and provides a safe, nurturing and healing environment for those most in need, delivering concentrated, person-centred treatment. The program provides a bridge between hospital admission and outpatient care to provide an opportunity for a more intensive psychological recovery, finding the ‘healthy self’ amidst the eating disorder.
Editor and producers note:
Please include the following support line details in all media coverage of this story and refer to the Mindframe Media Guidelines for safe reporting on eating disorders. Please include the following helpline message.
Help and Support
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:
- Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or visit www.butterfly.org.au to chat online or email, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST/AEDT).
- Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 23
- For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
