By battlefordsNOW Staff

Semicolon tattoo event deemed a huge success for CMHA

May 24, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Organizers with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Battlefords branch are thrilled with the response to their second annual Semicolon Tattoo Day held today at the CMHA office on 103 Street.

Over 65 people showed up to get their favorite semicolon tattoo designed etched on their forearm, ankle, hand or foot; all to raise funds for the programs and services that CMHA provides.

Executive director of the CMHA Battlefords branch Jane Zelke de Montbrun said the she was overwhelmed by the support for the project.

“We (CMHA) had a tremendous response to our tattoo event. It was amazing,” she said. “We had lots of calls asking about the project and often times there were standing room only for those who booked a tattoo.”

The event was originally scheduled to be part of Mental Health Awareness Week [May 7-12] on May 10 however when both tattoo artists became sick at the same time, the Semicolon Tattoo Day was rescheduled until today.

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“We had booked 68 tattoos for today and we had a waiting list of about 20,” Zelke de Montbrun said. “We did have a few last minute cancellations but I think we did our best to fill the time slots that opened up.”

The semicolon tattoo has become a beacon of hope for people who have mental health problems and according to Zelke de Montbrun the design lets people know that those who bear these tattoos support individuals who struggle with mental illness.

“Those who have the semicolon tattoo are showing that they care about those who have mental illness and that they are safe people to talk to in times of need,” she added. “We are very lucky to have a community that really steps up and supports these people and initiatives and that’s what makes the Battlefords such a great place to live.”

Zelke de Montbrun also thanked tattoo artists Marc Blanchette of Marc’d Up Tattoos of Turtleford and Jared Olson of Skinny’s on 48th in Lloydminster for their support of the Semicolon Tattoo Day.

“These guys (Marc & Jared) are true professionals and were so kind to those who were getting tattoos today,” she added. “We wouldn’t have had the success we did without their talents.”

The CMHA Battlefords branch will now be focusing on the second annual Garden Party scheduled for Saturday, June 16.  

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW