Tattoos, concerts, baked goods: Canadians rally to raise funds for war-hit Ukrainians 

New Moon Tattoo is among many small businesses, individuals and charitable organizations across Canada coming up with creative ways to support Ukrainians.

While many Canadians are digging into their pockets to offer what they can to Ukrainians affected by war, some Ottawa residents have made more permanent shows of support.

Artists at New Moon Tattoo say they were inundated with interest after offering to ink people as a fundraiser for the Red Cross’s humanitarian crisis appeal in Ukraine.

The night before the fundraiser, the tattoo shop posted a selection of designs for $100 a piece, including Molotov cocktails, sunflowers and tractors pulling tanks.

“I think about 120 people showed up, so we were overwhelmed. We were able to do 65,” owner Dan Allaston said.

Tattooer Milena Fusco said she was moved to organize the fundraiser in part because news of the Russian invasion hit close to home. Her mother was a political refugee from Czechoslovakia and Fusco wanted to honour her experience.

“It was hard, kind of sitting at the shop and watching what was going on and knowing we could maybe raise money for the cause. So we just jumped in,” Fusco said.

The shop raised $6,800 for the Red Cross’s Ukraine humanitarian crisis appeal.

New Moon Tattoo is among many small businesses, individuals and charitable organizations across Canada coming up with creative ways to support Ukrainians. From blue and yellow bow ties and earrings to fundraising concerts and film screenings, many are finding ways to do their part.