During these very challenging times, we as tattoo artists are glad to be able to do our part to help families in need, says Chong (left). Photo: Alvin Chong
A group of Malaysian tattoo artists managed to raise over RM40k for food provisions that they distributed to around 600 underprivileged families living in low-cost flats in Subang Jaya.
Although it was immensely challenging getting the provisions to the families in need, largely due to movement restrictions, the do-gooders managed to complete their mission.
“It has been an unprecedented year because of the pandemic, and many underprivileged families are really badly impacted. What is even more difficult is that these families are located in Red Zones so it’s difficult to reach them,” says tattoo artist Alvin Chong who led the initiative.
During the recovery movement control order in Dec 2020, Chong along with 33 other tattoo artists held a “fundraiding flashday” to raise funds to help families impacted by the pandemic.
The artists from 11 tattoo studios, including one (body) piercer and one lash artist, managed to raise RM44,000.
It isn’t the first time they’ve organised a charity drive – they’ve raised funds for Dignity for Children Foundation in Kuala Lumpur, Palu Earthquake victims in Indonesia, and the Orang Asli at Kampung Pos Tenau, Perak in previous years.
But the pandemic has made their latest fundraiser a tad more challenging.
Instead of having the event at a central location, it was held at each participating tattoo studio, with strict SOPs in place.
For some tattoo studios, the event was conducted online: Customers could select and purchase the designs and make an appointment for the tattooing at a later date, when the situation is safer for everyone.
According to Chong, it was also difficult to get aid to the families because of the MCO restrictions, and also because most families are located in the Red Zones.
“With the help of the Selangor State Legislative Assemblywoman for Subang Jaya, Michelle Ng, we were finally able to get the food provisions to them,” he adds.
Chong (third from left) and his team preparing the food packs. Photo: Alvin Chong
He adds that each food pack comprised items such as rice, oil, instant noodles, biscuits, Milo and other food items, and costs about RM80.
Only Chong and fellow artist, Ronny Lai, who live in Selangor, were involved in the distribution together with Ng’s team because the other artists are all from Kuala Lumpur and couldn’t cross the district border.
Suhaimi Daud, one of the recipients of the food aid, from Angsana Apartments in Subang Jaya said the groceries were a lifeline to families who had run out of food supplies.
“On behalf of the residents, I’d like to express our thanks to Alvin and all who are involved in distributing food packs. Thank you so much for helping our residents who have run out of food supplies.”
“During these very challenging times, we as tattoo artists are glad to be able to do our part to help families in need.
“We hope to continue this (yearly) charity effort,” says Chong.
“This is our way to spread love and to show our care to those who really need it,” concludes Lai.
