It’s the spookiest date of the year.

But this Friday the 13th, in a move that might leave an indelible mark on both your skin and your heart, three of Cork’s coolest tattoo shops are putting their needles to work to support the incredible work of ISPCC volunteers on the 24/7 Childline listening service.

On Friday, October 13th, 2023, Black Poppy, Smiley Dogg, and Art Lab will donate 100 percent of their profits to ISPCC.

Customers can choose from flash sheets ranging from €60 to €100, while temporary tattoos are also available, including Childline-related symbols and Friday the 13th effects.

“By uniting with other tattoo studios in the community in support of the Childline fundraiser, we are demonstrating that art, compassion, and collective effort can bring about meaningful change,” says Dee Byrne of Smiley Dogg Tattoo, North Main Street and Oliver Plunkett Street.

“We hope that by engaging in this fundraiser, we can channel our creative passion into making a difference in these young lives. Each ink stroke will serve as a symbol of optimism and hope, a testament to the resilience of these youngsters, and a reminder that art can go beyond visual appearances to positively impact lives.”

The three shops will be open from 11am to 6pm on the day, and you can donate in each studio when paying for your tattoo. Those who are unable to make the event or want to make an extra donation can go to the Childline idonate page idonate.ie/cause/ISPCC.