Wed 30 Jan 2008
On the afternoon of Saturday the 26th of January (Australia Day in Australia, but not so here in Toronto) a group of six Couch Surfers, wrapped up in warm clothing, and armed with a few home made posters, a camera or two, and a lot of love set out to send happiness and joy throughout the cold, wintery world that was the Queen St West entrance of the Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto.
The crew comprised of Neesa, Drew, Ellaine, Nicole, Darrel and yours truly. Drew, Ellaine and Nicole were all surfing my couch over the weekend.
At precisely 14:30 the crew arrived at their target destination and despite nobody else being around (including the facebook event organiser) within minutes the signs went up. On the signs were two simple words “Free Hugs”.
For those unfamiliar with the global Free Hugs campaign I urge you to visit the official website immediately and watch the video of Juan Mann, the man that started all one fine day in Sydney Australia.
The message is simple - a simple hug can brighten somebody’s day.
What was to unfold over the course of the next three hours (1.5 hrs for this particular reporter) was nothing short of amazing. We were there to give free hugs, and give free hugs we did.
The fact that it was snowing made it that much more special for, like soldiers on a mission, we battled the cold and snow to deliver the warmth of human spirit, kindness, and fun.
The responses from passerbys were just as unique and varied as the people themselves. Some, particularly younger kids and adults, were familiar with the campaign and screamed “I’ve seen you guys on youtube!” whilst others asked “why are you doing this?”
Each hugger had their own response, ranging from “just for fun”, and “just because” to “everybody loves hugs” and more. No matter what the reason one simple fact was obvious, whenever somebody accepted or gave a hug, a smile would soon follow.
That was why we crazy folks were doing it.
For me it was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in my adopted city. To realise just how amazing the group of individuals that I was surrounded by really were, and to feel connected to each and every soul that was involved by giving or accepting a hug that day, made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and incredibly grateful.
Here’s the thing - every day is free hug day so I encourage everyone to go and hug somebody they love, and if they should ask why you could respond “just cause”.
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January 30th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
You guys looked like you had an amazing time-If you would please go back to the event page on facebook and read my appoligy! Thank you for showing up and making the day so special!
January 30th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Hey no probs Victoria. Hope everything is ok with the family. Thanks for the update. It would be nice to meet you one day. Next time!
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:08 am
Hi there, I found your article here, and sounds like you did an amazing thing in the freezing cold! I’m actually attempting to break the world record for hugs in 24 hours in Toronto on May 29th to May30th, for Free the Children Charity. We have a great support and following as we broke it last year in Chicago, however, we’ve stumbled on a a little obstacle with the city council, as it seems impossible to get a permit that will allow us to do this. Crazy isn’t it? We just want to give Free hugs! I just wondered if you had any advice or if you obtained a permit to do this?
I looked for your page on Facebook but couldn’t find it. Our group page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2244529839 . Would be great if you could make it along to the event. We are then having an after party in Milton with four bands playing and should be a great night, filled with amazing people. Anyways, that’s amazing what you did, and hopefully hear from you. Thanks!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:47 am
Hi Ross,
Victoria (the first person to comment here) actually organised the event so I’m not sure if she did anything in relation to council approval or licenses. I don’t have her contact details and I can’t find her facebook event unfortunately.
The small group of my friends went ahead anyway, not even thinking about such legal issues, and we had no problems at all with council/police or other. In fact one policewoman came in and we gave her a hug!
My suggestion would be to check out the forums on the official FH website and post a query for your locality if required. http://www.freehugscampaign.org/
I agree, it certainly surprises me that people would be against giving and receiving free hugs but we do live in a crazy world with crazy rules don’t we?
Don’t think I’ll be able to make it to Milton (I’m assuming that’s in the UK) but I would encourage you post your event on the Couchsurfing forums and I’m sure you’ll find some interested people there to go along.
Anyways, good luck with the project! Free hugs for all!