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In response to the coronavirus epidemic, hundreds of tattoo artists from 30 countries raised €72,000 to support hospitals in some of the world’s worst-hit areas. 

 Every penny collected as part of the initiative, the most recent charitable endeavor from @stef_bastian_presents, was distributed among the following three non-profits: CESVI (which is raising funds for hospitals in Italy), INSEAD (the Spanish Green Cross) and MASKS4AMERICA (which is distributing N95 masks across the states). 

The money will be spent on protective clothing, ventilators, and other specialized medical equipment.

 “During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, I realized more than ever before the importance of helping each other,” said Stef Bastiàn, the organizer. “With this level of response, we’ve been able to put the skills we worked so hard to develop at the service of those in need.”

 Canvas, ceramics, wood – even a customized tattoo machine. Whatever they wanted to use as their base, the artists painted on it, with figures such as Tim Hendricks, Shawn Barber, and Alex Binnie among the approximately 300 artists who lent a hand (or two).

 And so, as the world has slowly started coming to terms with a new reality, the connected spirit of the tattoo industry has been an inspiration, said Stef.

 “Once more, this industry has shown what lies at its very foundations: big hearts. That’s not all. It’s also made it apparent what a talented and well-coordinated collective can accomplish when working together for something bigger than itself.”

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