Next Friday, the 13th of August, ECM Tattoo will be hosting a Flash Day to raise funds for the Gumboot Friday initiative to help Kiwi kids in need. 

From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the talented ECM tattoo artists Melissa and Ethan will be tattooing their original designs and a portion of the proceeds from each tattoo will to Gumboot Friday. 

Each year in New Zealand, between 120 and 180 young people die by suicide and it is estimated another 3,500 attempt to take their own lives.

While government agencies are doing their best, some young people are stuck waiting up to six months to receive the counselling they so urgently need.

Gumboot Friday is a fun way for Kiwis to join in the mental health conversation, while raising money to provide free and timely counselling for any young person in need.

“It’s a great cause, kids are the future and being parents ourselves, to know there are places out there passionate about helping the ones who are struggling is a wonderful thing”, says Kate Sheehan, who owns ECM with her husband Leigh.

“Some kids find it easier to talk to people outside their social, for whatever reasons, and to know there’s a place that provides that is fantastic.” 

Flash day tattoos will be priced from $150 - $300. To secure a spot, just turn up on the day - there’s a board in the tattoo studio where you can pop your name to be next in line, but it’s first in first served.

“We love any opportunity to bring the community together and to give back. It’s always thoroughly enjoyed by all and a great chance to connect with other locals.

“We are always here and welcoming of anyone wanting or needing to stop in to chat or hang out. It shows strength to reach out when you need it, and ECM is always here.”