InkFree BC looks to expand services to Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A province-wide charity helping people remove stigmatizing tattoos, scars and unwanted facial hair is looking to expand into the Fort St. John area.

The InkFree BC Initiative Society, founded by Amanda Chinn, partners with local, vetted laser clinics to provide free or subsidized services for people facing barriers to employment, social reintegration or safety because of visible tattoos or scars. 

The non-profit also provides gender-affirming facial hair removal for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

“For many people, these treatments mean so much more than aesthetics, they can restore confidence, open doors and help individuals move forward,” Chinn told Energeticcity.ca. “I believe everyone deserves access to these services, no matter their financial situation.”

According to Chinn, InkFree BC focuses on helping individuals receiving income or disability assistance, people exiting the justice system, at-risk youth and those struggling with poverty, addiction or trauma.

For transgender people, Chinn said subsidized or free facial hair removal can be life-changing, reducing stigma, validating their identity and even opening employment barriers.

“By removing financial obstacles, we honour their identity and affirm that their journey is valid, important and worthy of support,” she said.

The initiative also works with youth who may have tattoos tied to crime or gang involvement, Chinn said.

The planned expansion into Fort St. John aims to give residents in the Peace region greater access to these services. 

To help raise awareness, InkFree BC is currently seeking Fort St. John volunteers to deliver informational brochures to community partners and organizations. Volunteers will receive a reference letter, certificate and recognition on the initiative’s social media platforms.

“Our mission is simple,” said Chinn. “No one should be defined by their past or held back by visible reminders of it. Every removal is an act of healing, empowerment and transformation.”

To volunteer, send an email via the society’s contact page.