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Tattoo shop in San Francisco using ink to help the war effort in Ukraine

Tattoo shop hosts Ukrainian artists to raise money for war effort
Tattoo shop hosts Ukrainian artists to raise money for war effort 01:49

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) -- A San Francisco tattoo shop is using ink to help Ukrainians suffering under the months-long Russian invasion thousands of miles away.

Gold Leaf Ink has been hosting two guest tattoo artists from Ukraine whose friends and family have been left to defend their war-torn country.

Regina Estrada, the shop owner, welcomed the idea of hosting a day-long fundraiser. 

"They've been working here and all the money that they've made working they've been sending back home and so we suggested having a fundraiser to help their cause," said Estrada.

One of the Ukranian artists explained that the effort was a personal one.

"My dad he is military and so many friends they're still in Ukraine and they still need help."

Customers were able to walk in without an appointment, select a pre-drawn design, and get tattooed for a flat fee.

All the money will be donated to humanitarian groups and to help fund a drone to defend the hard-hit city of Kharkiv, according to the shop's owner.

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