The Animal Welfare Society in Stellenbosch (AWSS) has teamed up with a local tattoo artist, Gabrielle Serfontein, the owner of High Tide Tattoos, to raise much-needed funds for the AWSS by hosting the Tats for Tails fundraiser.
This fundraiser-with-a-twist offers clients and supporters of the AWSS the opportunity to get a tattoo of 5cm by 5cm in size for only R300. R100 of this price is then donated to the AWSS by High Tide Tattoos to help support the shelter animals.
A dog enjoying some fresh air at AWSS. PHOTO: Jana Greyling.
Jessica Perrins, the Head of Fundraising and Communication for the AWSS, explains that the AWSS was approached by Serfontein with the idea of collaborating and hosting the tattoo fundraiser.
“I was more than happy to partner, especially as funding is becoming more and more scarce and I will take every opportunity to raise much-needed funds and ensure that the AWSS is able to continue being the voice for the animals of Stellenbosch,” says Perrins.
Serfontein recently moved to Stellenbosch from Knysna and in doing so, had to leave her established client base behind. The fundraiser is a way for her to build up a new client base in Stellenbosch while still supporting a good cause.
Gabrielle Serfontein in her tattoo studio in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Jana Greyling.
“Basically, this is a marketing strategy for me but one that is on a ‘paying it forward’ concept. AWSS obviously benefits from this because they get the donations and then I benefit in the terms of building a client base for myself,” explains Serfontein.
Serfontein decided to partner specifically with the AWSS because she wanted to support a charity representing a group that cannot stand up and speak for themselves.
Serfontein explains that she is “a little bit biased when it comes to humans”.
“I feel like there are just too many of us. So, if I’m going to support a charity, I feel it should be for something that can’t speak for itself, which in this case was the AWSS. Animals don’t have a voice. The only people they have speaking for them are from the animal welfare societies.”
Perrins states that the fundraiser has been very successful since it started on 25 March and that all clients are satisfied with their tattoos.
“We have had fantastic feedback from clients who have supported the Tats for Tails campaign. I myself am a very happy client and love my tattoo.”
Gabrielle Serfontein with Shana Beirne, who is showing off her new tattoo on her foot. PHOTO: Jana Greyling.
Serfontein says that she would have liked to see more interest in the fundraiser but she remains hopeful for the further duration of the fundraiser.
“There haven’t been as many people as I would’ve liked but there have been quite a lot of enquiries. A lot of people are showing interest but not a lot of people are following through.”
Perrins says that Serfontein has done 25 tattoos so far and, in doing so, has raised R2500 for the animals.
“The tattoos are R300 which is very affordable and opens up a new avenue for students to get involved and support local businesses, as well as the AWSS,” says Perrins.
Gabi Kietzka, a participant in the fundraiser, got her first tattoo in support of the cause. Kietzka explains that she often visits the AWSS with her stepchildren to volunteer.
“When I heard about the fundraiser I thought ‘well what an excuse to get a tattoo’! So, after a few glasses of wine, I decided to get a tattoo. The money goes to help the animals, so why not,” exclaims Kietzka.
Kietzka decided to get a tattoo of two dragonflies mating, as she is currently doing her Ph.D. around the topic while another supporter of the Tats for Tails fundraiser, Shana Beirne, decided to get a tattoo on her foot reading “not all those who wander are lost”.
Gabi Kietzka’s tattoo of two dragonflies mating. PHOTO: Supplied
Supporters of the fundraiser can make their tattoo-appointment directly with Serfontein and choose their tattoo from a set of designs provided to them or they can bring a design of their choice. The Tats for Tails fundraiser will be running until 25 April.
An alternative to getting a tattoo is to make a monetary donation or donations of food and other supplies to the AWSS in order to support the fundraiser.
According to Perrins more fundraisers for the AWSS will follow later in the year.
“With the success of this campaign, Gaby and I plan to host a few fundraising initiatives throughout the year.”
For more information or to get involved with the fundraiser visit the AWSS’ Facebook and Instagram pages:
Facebook: AnimalwelfareStellenbosch
Instagram: @Animal_Welfare_Stellenbosch
For tattoo-bookings contact Gabrielle Serfontein:
Cell: 063 425 3713
Facebook: High.Tides.Tattoo.Parlour
Instagram: @theleafy