Ink for a cause: Thunder Bay tattoo fundraiser supports local organization

People in Thunder Bay, Ont., gave back this weekend to their community in an unconventional way — through the power of ink.

Black Sheep Tattoo held a fundraiser on Sunday, with all proceeds donated to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario.

It was on a first-come, first-serve basis, with only small tattoos on offer so as many people as possible could be served.

Katie McQueston is a tattoo artist and does regular fundraisers at her shop in Toronto, Ten of Cups Tattoo.

She said she goes regularly to Black Sheep to do a guest spot and thought it would be a good idea to have a fundraiser in Thunder Bay.

"The artist [at Studio 449] told me about this organization. I thought, wow, that's super cool that they're protecting people who are at risk of being incarcerated or coming out of it, and I just think that's awesome," said McQueston. 

McQueston said having a tattoo fundraiser is great because it doesn't require a huge amount of organizing — it's just artists using their time and skills to give back.

"It's cool to realize that you're kind of in the driver's seat of where some money goes and you can help out organizations, especially as a team. That's the best part.

"For me to do something like that on my own is nice, but to get people together, and do that and then have everyone coming in meeting cool people who want the same … it's amazing."

'Giving back to the community is always great'

Diana Briar is from Edmonton and came to Thunder Bay on a weekend birthday trip.

Briar heard about the fundraiser from one of the artists, and said going to it was perfect way to finish her visit. She got a tattoo of a moon and a bunny, representing her name and her fiancé.

"I find the community here is amazing for arts and stuff like that, so I'm actually really happy I came out today."

Suzy Kennedy, who also got inked at Black Sheep Tattoo on Sunday, heard about the fundraiser from McQueston when McQueston tattooed her last week.

"For me, it's going to charity… and then they're also helping me clean up an old tattoo that I don't really like looking at. So I love it. And then giving back to the community is always great — time from the artist, materials, is wonderful," said Kennedy.

Krista Graham, who works for the Elizabeth Fry Society, went to the shop to get a rose tattoo with a friend.

She feels a tattoo fundraiser is an innovative idea and speaks to the connections community members have with each other.

"You can have people from all different worlds experiencing different things, but tattoos are something that kind of can bring us all together and they tell stories," said Graham.

"I think the folks we work with really could connect with that and maybe open up a bit about their stories."

Graham said because they are a grassroots organization and growing rapidly, community support is fundamental in continuing their work.

"It's so nice to see the time given by all of these artists today and the people coming out to support us."