Fur-Ever Ink'd fundraiser supports local shelter animals
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
By Diane Danen
Long before the doors opened, tattoo enthusiasts were already lined up around the Hampton Inn in Waterloo, all eager to support a unique fundraiser for local shelter animals.
The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth hosted its second annual Fur-Ever Ink'd fundraiser on Saturday, July 25, bringing together tattoo artists, henna artists, volunteers and local businesses for a day that combined creativity with compassion.
Building on the success of last year's event at the Humane Society's Stratford Animal Centre, this year's fundraiser expanded significantly. Nine tattoo artists representing several local studios, along with four henna artists, donated their time and talents, with 100 per cent of the proceeds supporting shelter operations and animal care.
Participating tattoo artists represented The Exotic Skin Shop, Gauntlet Tattoo, True Ink Tattoo & Piercing Studio, Vendetta Studio and Ryan H Tattoo. Henna artists included Naseera Farhan, Laiba Qadeer and the artists Aamnah and Mahrukh of Mendhibyam Henna.
Among the community partners supporting the fundraiser were Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Waterloo St. Jacobs, Bingemans Grand Experiences, Eikon and Softhours Photo Booth.
Pio and Geneve Salipot of Softhours donated their photo booth services for the event. The couple, who adopted their two-year-old cat, Bon Bon, from the Humane Society, were pleased to give back to an organization that helped bring their pet into their family
The event operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests registered with their preferred artist upon arrival and were free to enjoy the day's activities while they waited. Volunteers contacted participants by phone when they were next in line, allowing them time to visit the nearby St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, enjoy lunch at the hotel's B55 Bar & Grill, stop by the pop-up snack bar or take photos in the complimentary photo booth.
Artists offered a selection of pre-designed flash tattoos for $125 each, while henna designs ranged from $10 to $30. Flash tattoo designs were posted online before the event, allowing participants to browse and choose their favourites in advance.
The event ran smoothly thanks to dozens of volunteers who helped coordinate registrations and artist schedules throughout the day.
Dena and Chris Bellini volunteered to greet guests at the Fur-Ever Ink’d fundraiser, an event that aligns closely with their passion for helping animals. The couple began fostering cats through the Humane Society about three years ago after looking for a way to give back. With a love for animals and three cats of their own, Chris suggested fostering as a meaningful way to help pets in need.
Their first foster was Nemo, a 10-month-old, three-legged cat. The experience was so rewarding that they continued fostering and have since welcomed 10 cats into their home, including their oldest foster, Figgy, a 17-year-old cat.
“We just want them to live their best life,” said Dena Bellini.
“Some of these animals may have been neglected or abused, and we just want them to know that humans can be good,” added Chris Bellini.
With the overwhelming response to this year's event, organizers hope to continue hosting Fur-Ever Ink'd annually in both Waterloo Region and Stratford, giving even more people the opportunity to support local shelter animals while celebrating the work of talented local tattoo artists.
Last year's Fur-Ever Ink’d raised approximately $5,000. With the event nearly doubling in size this year, organizers hoped to surpass $10,000 and, based on the steady stream of participants throughout the day, they were optimistic they would reach that goal.
"The funds raised will go directly toward shelter operations and the care of animals," said Breanna Langan, coordinator of marketing and communications for the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth. "They help provide food and supplies, medical care, adoption services, foster care coordination and enrichment to ensure the animals are healthy, happy and ready to find their forever homes."
Langan said approximately 27 animals have already found new homes through the Stratford centre this year, demonstrating both the success of the shelter's adoption efforts and the ongoing need for community support.
She believes the partnership between tattoo artists and animal welfare organizations is a natural fit.
"There is definitely a crossover between animal lovers and tattoo artists," she said. "There's a level of empathy that comes with being creative, and many tattoo artists are passionate animal lovers. It's wonderful to see so many artists willing to donate their time to support a cause like this.
"We're so happy this event has tapped into a unique interest shared by so many people. It's incredible to see local artists and the community come together to support local animals. Every dollar raised directly translates into second to chances for animals in our care."
To make a donation, call 519-745-5615 or visit the https://kwsphumane.ca
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