Press Release: Organ Donation Tattoo
3000+ have inked themselves for good and now you can too.
You may have seen the quotation mark tattoo on someone you know and have been wondering what it means. The tattoo represents someone’s wishes to become an organ donor and the tattoo was designed by TELL to encourage South Africans to have the conversation around organ donation. If you want to be a part of the 2024 #MakeItKnown Tattoo Event at Tattoo Tony Creations then read on….
About The Event
When: On 20 April 2024, you can make it known your way, by getting a tattoo of the TELL quotation marks at Tattoo Tony Creations.
Where: 25 Lynnwood Rd, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria.
What: Get the TELL Tattoo (Quotation Marks) for only R250. If you already have the TELL tattoo then you can add some more ink for good by getting an organ of your choice tattooed. The tattoo artists have designed 5 Flash tattoos of different organs for you to choose from.
Why: The tattoo is a conversation starter to ensure that you have the very important discussion around organ donation with your family. In South Africa, your family has the final say in whether or not you become an organ donor when you pass away, and so, it is vital they know your wishes.
Competition: Stand a chance to WIN a TELL tattoo or flash organ tattoo at our event on the 20th of April. To enter, go to TELL’s social media pages (@tellorgza) and simply tell us why you want the TELL #MakeItKnown tattoo or a flash organ tattoo? The winner will be announced on our stories on Wednesday 17 April 2024.
About #MakeItKnown
Only 0.2% of South Africans have registered as organ donors. But even then, there’s no guarantee that they will be able to make the difference they intended to. Because while becoming an organ donor is the start of an extraordinary commitment, it only happens when you have the necessary conversations with your friends and family to make your wishes known. They are the ones who make the final decision, and it won’t be an easy one. Be brave enough to start the conversation that matters most. Tell them. In person, on social media, via WhatsApp, however you choose. As long as you make it known. Because the most important part of organ donation, is conversation. Why quotation marks? Because they’re more than a brandmark, they’re the start of the most important conversation you’ll ever have.
We started our #MakeItKnown campaign 5 years ago on 15 April 2019 at Sally Mustang Tattoos where we held a launch event.
Since then, we have had numerous tattoo studios around the country involved in running the campaign and tattooing the quotation marks on individuals. Since then over 3000 individuals have inked themselves with our quotation marks to symbolise their wishes to become an organ donor.
These tattoos have been an incredible conversation starter and one of TELL’s supporters had this to say;
“EVERYONE asks about my tattoo and are intrigued as to what it means. It’s so great to be able to tell them the meaning behind it.”
This year TELL have joined forces with Tattoo Creations to host yet another incredible tattoo day where people can have the TELL tattoo or a flash organ tattoo done. Spaces are limited to 30 people so please make prior bookings through our social media channels, via WhatsApp to 0722312089 or email coreen.walstra@tell.org.za.
The tattoo costs R250 and an EFT payment will secure your booking. Tattoo Tony Creations are very generously donating the proceeds of this event to TELL. The studio will be running the campaign for the day from 09:00 – 15:00 with 3 of their artists doing the tattoo every 30 minutes. People may select their time slot for the day.
TELL will have a stand at the studio where you can get more information about organ and tissue donation, as well as buy some awesome merchandise to support this worthy cause of raising awareness about organ and tissue donation.
If you can’t make it to the event then check out our studio list that also offer the TELL tattoo – https://tell.org.za/tattoo-studios/
Come get inked and support this important initiative.
#MAKEITKNOWN STATISTICS
- Approximately 3000 people in South Africa have the TELL tattoo.
- The oldest person to get the tattoo was Jacquie Kruger aged 70
- The first person to get the tattoo was SJ Naude who designed the tattoo.
- Local celebrities with the TELL tattoo: Good Things Guy, Brent Lindeque. TechGirl, Sam Wright.
Photo: artist tattooing client, the outline of the TELL tattoo
Image: Flash tattoos available to choose from.
#MAKEITKNOWN CAMPAIGN FAQ
I’m already registered as an organ donor, why do I need to make it known?
Registering is a great first step, but you need to tell your friends and family to ensure your wishes are fulfilled when you pass away.
Does it have to be a tattoo? I don’t want a tattoo.
Of course not! You can make it known in any which way you’d like, just show us!
Is this an officially registered symbol that I’m a donor?
Well no, the symbol is not legally enforceable. The goal is to get enough people sharing and showing the symbol that it becomes synonymous with organ donation.
Can I still be a donor, even if I get or have tattoos?
Yes. There is no regulation stating that people with tattoos can’t be donors. Tattoo studios need to comply with strict health regulations, and reputable shops take hygiene and safety very seriously.
Why the quotation marks?
The TELL logo incorporates quotation marks because the most important part of organ donation is conversation. We want people to show that they’ve started the conversation with family and friends.