The SPCA’s annual Tats4Tails Tattoo-a-Thon returned for its fifth consecutive year last month, with the aim of raising R100 000 in aid of animals awaiting their forever homes.
A record-breaking attendance, 125 tattoos and R112 700 later, the monumental event exceeded expectations.
Also read: Ink with impact: SPCA’s Tats4Tails returns for its fifth consecutive year
The star-studded event, held from 22 to 28 January, was hosted by renowned tattoo artist Clinton Naidoo of Primal Culture Tattoo Studio and garnered the support of many local favourites and influential personalities.
These included KFM presenter Brandon Leigh, journalist Venecia Valentine, tech guru Grant Hinds and his wife, tech and gaming content creator Jessica Hinds, one of SA’s most loved celebrity chefs, Jenny Morris and DJ Gremlin.
According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, celebrity chef Jenny Morris ‘added a flavourful twist to the event’ by committing to being ‘a canvas for the cause’ if the animal organisation hits the R50 000 mark.
‘True to her word, Jenny now proudly wears her permanent mark of compassion, a beautiful tattoo of a lily, symbolising her love for her SPCA-adopted companion Tootie and her wish for a loving home for every animal in need of one,’ said SPCA.
However, the star who stole the event’s spotlight – and broke the record for the oldest person ever to be tattooed at Tats4Tails – is the spirited 86-year-old Peggi Kensley.
After the event, Kensley told the SPCA it was her fifth tattoo, and a gift from her daughter.
‘I had my fifth tattoo done at Primal Culture recently, in aid of the Tats4Tails week, a gift from my daughter. It was lovely to know that it was a gift that kept giving, as I got the tattoo, and the money went to helping domestic animals.’
Beyond the stars, the SPCA said the greatest force behind Tats4Tails’ continued success remains the power of community and compassion for animals without a voice of their own.
Speaking to this sentiment, SPCA spokesperson Belina Abraham said, ‘Tats4Tails highlights the incredible impact we can make when we come together for a common cause. There’s incredible power in unity and Tats4Tails demonstrates this perfectly.’
‘Every tattoo is a pledge for the voiceless, and it sends love and care to every animal awaiting their forever home at the SPCA.’
To see the array of tattoos and pictures from this year’s Tats4Tails, click here.
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Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspired by Chanté’s loyalty to Milo the dog
Picture: Helena Lopes / Unsplash
