Tattoo for a good cause
SANDTON – Ten tattoo studios across Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein will raise funds for autism awareness on 7 April.
The upmarket tattoo studio in Parkhurst, Fallen Heroes together with several other tattoo studios, will host an Ink-A-Thon to raise funds for autism on 7 April.
This is the first Ink-A-Thon and the beneficiary this year is the Puzzle Foundation SA. The foundation is dedicated to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society.
Melody Kaye, marketing manager at Fallen Heroes, said the founders of the Puzzle Foundation SA are tattoo lovers with a personal reason for starting their foundation, as their own family has been touched by the day-to-day costs of having a child that falls in the spectrum.
Kaye commented that throughout the year they were approached by various causes in order to raise funds, using their resources and artistic abilities. “We always want to help everyone, however, we don’t always get to everyone we would like to, but with the Ink-A-Thon, we are able to cover a different charity every year.
“The studios involved are all successful studios with incredibly talented artists, and so The Ink-A-Thon was born from a need to give back using our art.
“Autism in South Africa is still shrouded in misconceptions and for the most part not supported by government organisations, and medical aids can very rarely provide the comprehensive cover that families require. Finding schools and therapists can be costly, difficult and daunting for families.”
She said by raising awareness around how broad the spectrum is, and what falls on the spectrum, is vital in helping families cope.
On the day there will be 12 artists from Fallen Heroes alone, and there are 10 studios across Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein who will be in full force. Two Sandton-based tattoo studios, Sally Mustang and Dakota Lee in Kramerville, Dainfern and Kyalami will also take part on the day.
Kaye said they should be able to tattoo 108 people at Fallen Heroes.
The cost of a palm-sized piece is R900. “A small amount will be used to cover basic consumable costs and the balance will be donated to The Puzzle Foundation.
“Choose something simple that can be achieved and executed well in 30 to 40 minutes. Your artist will guide you in your choice.
“There are 10 studios involved, so if one is fully booked, please do chat with an alternate studio.”
Kaye said there is an amazing vibe in each studio and the day is quite fast-paced so the energy is different to the regular day.
“We are hoping to raise over R100 000 for the charity and I have a feeling we might just do it,” ended Kaye.
Details: Visit www.ink-a-thon.co.za to see which studio is closest to you to make a booking
Have you booked your spot for the Ink-A-Thon? Share your tattoo stories and pics on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
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