It's time to book your spot to make a lasting mark for an important cause.
The Canadian Mental Health Association Weyburn branch is taking registration now for the Eighth Annual Semi-Colon Tattoo event, being held on September 20th at Under Your Skin Tattoos.
Program Director Tasha Collins said they hold the event in September as close to World Suicide Prevention Day, on September 10th.
"We partner with Under Your Skin Tattoos, who have done this this for us seven other times, and they've generated a total of $18,990 for our branch."
She said since 2018, the community has participated with 594 small, pre-designed tattoo featuring a semi-colon, which represents hope, perseverance, and support for those who have chosen to move forward after considering suicide.
"That semicolon symbolizes that that a person's story isn't over yet, and that, even if they've considered ending their life, they've chosen to move forward and continue living."
"So it's a really inspiring event that I think really does bring hope and awareness to suicide, and it does it in a way that is maybe a little bit different for some people. Some people might be going in for their first tattoo. Some people might have their full bodies tattooed, and find a spot for that semicolon."
Collins said they have 90 guaranteed, 10-minute appointments, which can be booked by emailing tashac@cmhask.com or by calling 306-842-7959.
"Last year, I think they broke the record. They had a 114 tattoos," she shared. "All tattoos are $50 each and that's why it's pre-drawn, predetermined tattoos, because I've sat for an artist before, and that is a very small fee for the setup, the take down, the supplies, and the artistry that you're getting."
The full day at Under Your Skin Tattoos is blocked off for only semi-colon event.
"It's such a huge donation to our branch and our programming," she commented. "They do such a wonderful job of how they've got it set up and running, and they've got Mark's family, his daughters and his wife come in to help out throughout the day, and they've really got it streamlined."
Collins added the spots fill up quickly so she encourages those interested in booking to do so as soon as possible.
