WATCH ABOVE: Steve Silva reports on Project Semicolon which is raising money for the Rataeh Parsons Society.
BEDFORD, N.S. – World Suicide Prevention Day is being marked in the province through an unusual fundraiser: people are getting tattoos of semicolons.
“It’s a symbol that just because we’re having struggles, doesn’t mean that it has to be the end,” said Leah Parsons, mother of Rehtaeh Parsons.
Rehtaeh made headlines after committing suicide following a sexual assault and online attacks.
“Her tattoos signified that after being sexually violated, that she could take back her body, and each tattoo had a deep meaning of finding her way back,” said Leah.
Between 12-7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, participants (16 years and older) can get a tattoo of a semicolon for $30 at Six Points Tattoo Parlour in Bedford. Henna tattoos are an option starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday.
The money will go to the Rehtaeh Parsons Society, which promotes awareness of sexual violence, cyber harassment, and the issues of suicide; Leah is the founder.
“I couldn’t imagine going through what Rehtaeh’s family through and it, really, really, really touches my heart, and we’re absolutely honoured to be involved in something like this,” said store co-owner Chris Kelly.
Sari McLin, who has struggled with depression and bullying before, was the sixth person to get a tattoo at the fundraiser Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s kind of just looking back at all my struggles and maybe the struggles I will have in the future, and saying, like, ‘I know this is going to happen, but I also know that I’m strong enough to deal with it and overcome it’,” said the 22-year-old.
She said she hopes the new ink will act as a reminder and also a conversation starter.
“People are often thought of as being weak or lesser than other people just because they’re struggling, but they’re not,” said McLin.
World Suicide Prevention Day will be observed on Thursday.
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