To help raise money for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Nova Scotia, former surfboard shaper Scott Forbes is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a 1 1/2-hour tattoo session at his popular tattoo shop, Oceanic Art Custom Tattooing in Downtown Dartmouth.

The raffle is part of the Oceans Alive charity benefit, which takes place this Friday and Saturday (August 21 and 22). On Friday night, the benefit will feature a surf movie and auction at the NSCC Waterfront Campus beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door and beer sells for $3 each.

Saturday morning, the benefit will shift to Lawrencetown Beach where local surf instructors, including volunteers from the One Life Surf School, will provide surf lessons by donation. (Note: As many of you likely are aware, a large swell is supposed to hit on Saturday, so conditions may not be ideal for lessons.)

All proceeds from the movie night, silent auction, and surf lessons will go to the Children’s Wish Foundation.

Tickets for the tattoo raffle are $10 each and can be purchased this week at Oceanic Art (121 Portland Street). Tickets will also be available during the silent auction on Friday night. The winner will be drawn later in the evening (the winner will be called or emailed if they’re not in attendance).

The tattoo session, worth $180, can be with either Scott or his apprentice, Derek Hill.

“If you’re working on a big piece, or planning a new tattoo, or even know somebody who will want the prize, visit the shop buy a ticket or tell some friends,” says Forbes.

“The winner will get a gift certificate with the dollar amount redeemable in tattoo work from either Derek or myself. The gift certificate is fully transferable and has no expiry.”

For more information, call Oceanic Art Custom Tattooing at 466-TATT (8288) or visit www.oceanicart.ca.