This past weekend, Thunder Bay residents came together for an unconventional but impactful way to give back to their community: through tattoos. Black Sheep Tattoo hosted a fundraiser on Sunday, with all proceeds going to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario, an organization that supports people at risk of incarceration or those transitioning out of the justice system.
The fundraiser operated on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a selection of small tattoos available to maximize the number of people who could participate. Katie McQueston, a tattoo artist known for organizing regular fundraisers at her Toronto studio, Ten of Cups Tattoo, was inspired to bring the idea to Thunder Bay after learning about the work of the Elizabeth Fry Society.
“I thought it was super cool that they’re protecting people who are at risk of being incarcerated or coming out of it,” McQueston said. She explained that hosting a tattoo fundraiser is a straightforward yet powerful way for artists to use their skills for a good cause. “It’s amazing to realize you’re in the driver’s seat of where some money goes, helping out organizations as a team.”
Diana Briar, a visitor from Edmonton, also participated in the fundraiser. She was in Thunder Bay for a birthday trip and found the event to be a perfect way to end her visit. Briar got a tattoo of a moon and a bunny, which represented her name and her fiancé. “I find the community here is amazing for arts and stuff like that, so I’m really happy I came out today,” she shared.
For Suzy Kennedy, the tattoo fundraiser was not only about charity but also an opportunity to update an old tattoo she no longer liked. “For me, it’s going to charity, and they’re helping me clean up an old tattoo. Giving back to the community is always great,” she said.
Krista Graham, who works for the Elizabeth Fry Society, attended the fundraiser and got a rose tattoo while showing her support for the cause. “Tattoos are something that bring us all together and tell stories,” she said. Graham believes that the fundraiser not only benefits the society but also connects community members in a meaningful way.
As a grassroots organization, the Elizabeth Fry Society relies heavily on community support. “It’s so nice to see the time given by all of these artists today and the people coming out to support us,” Graham said, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in their continued success.
This tattoo fundraiser highlighted the power of art to unite people for a common cause, demonstrating how tattoos can tell personal stories while also contributing to a larger mission.
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