By Spencer Sterritt

Tattoos for charity leave lasting memories

Nov 22, 2017 | 6:32 PM

NANAIMO — Every tattoo means something, especially for the dozens who lined up for hours to get into Black and Blue Tattoo in downtown Nanaimo last weekend. 

Saturday, Nov. 18 was the ninth annual Tats for Tots, which raised $12,000 for the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation and other local charities.

Black and Blue Tattoo owner Rob Noseworthy told NanaimoNewsNOW he was blown away by the community passion when he came to work on Saturday morning.

“When I came down in the morning…the line was around the corner and wrapping around. Just insane, I’ve never seen it like that before.”

Getting a small tattoo has become tradition for many. Noseworthy said several people have been there right from the start, including a mother-daughter combo.

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Christina Davis was the first in line, having gotten there at 11 p.m. the night before for her seventh year.

She said while she’s always loved tattoos, being able to help the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation gives her an “incredible, indescribable” feeling.

“I have a niece who spent time in there when she was younger and has had to go over a few other times in her life. So I really wanted to give back to that and who doesn’t like a tattoo?”

This year, the $12,000 isn’t solely going to the Foundation. Noseworthy said they’re also donating to more local charities such as Samaritan House and the Kids fundraiser.

“Children’s Hospital is wonderful and it’s a great cause to support, but we also want to try to keep it in the community a little bit.”

Including the 2017 tally, Noseworthy said they’ve managed to raise roughly $70,000.

“So many of the people who come to the event have spent time at Children’s Hospital. It’s cool to hear the stories and have people feeling good about supporting the event.”

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit