A Tauranga tattoo artist is on a mission to raise awareness, money and supplies for community centres throughout New Zealand - starting with the centre that has helped him much.

“Through life’s trials and tribulations, I’ve turned to community centres over the years to connect with people and wanted to help promote what they do,” explained BJ Black.

“It’s all about community, so we should all work together on this.”

He came up with the fundraiser Tat24food, where anyone can pay only $55 and donate an item of food to get a tattoo.

A portion of the money and the food goes to Welcome Bay Community Centre.

He’s also launched a Facebook campaign designed to give centres nationwide more exposure on social media.

“Baz is able to connect with people who may not know to come into the community centre,” said manager Sacha Harwood.

Welcome Bay Community Centre contract counsellor Karen Waddicor (left), peer support kaimahi Anna Drysdale, centre manager Sacha Harwood with Tat24food co-ordinator BJ (Baz) Black. Photo / Debbie Griffiths

“We have people from all walks of life come in for support. Often, it’s the first point of contact for someone in getting to where they need to go or sometimes it’s just developing relationships.”

The centre is open for residents to drop by for a coffee, and it also runs workshops, educational programmes, free clothing events, counselling sessions and a small food pantry.

“We can provide the bare essentials if people just need to get through the next day or two until they get paid, so the food donations are a massive support,” says Sacha.

“Community centres are still very much needed.

“We see an average of between 1500 to 2000 people each month, so having the financial donation also coming from Baz is really helpful because it can fill in the gaps.”

To get involved, go to www.tat24food.wordpress.com

A QR code to scan to link to the fundraising page.