PEI

Tats a nice gesture: P.E.I. tattoo shop inks Star Wars characters to support GenXX

Artists at a tattoo parlour in Summerside spent the whole day inking Star Wars characters to support local kids programs.

May the Fourth inspires tattoo donations at Summerside business

Tattoo artist Aron Scott works on a Star Wars tattoo for Cary Baker Wednesday. (Submitted by Melanie Bernard)

Artists at a tattoo parlour in Summerside spent the whole day inking Star Wars characters to support local kids programs.

It's to mark this day, May the fourth, which Star Wars fans celebrate for its similarity to a popular phrase from the movies, "May the force be with you."

The three artists donated proceeds from their work to the city's youth club, GenXX.

The final product. Star Wars tattoo by Artist's Ink in Summerside. (Submitted by Melanie Bernard)

The idea came from the business's new owner, Cary Baker.

"He's a huge Star Wars fan," said Artist's Ink manager Melanie Bernard. "We just really like to support the community, keep it in the community."

She said it was first come, first served today and most of their customers opted for characters from the original trilogy of films.

Customers chose from a number of premade designs, prepared by the business, said Bernard.

Most pieces were between $100 and $200.

By the end of the day they'd raised about $500 for GenXX. 

"We're happy to see some people come in, and we're happy to give back to the city of Summerside," said Bernard.