International Hug Week

On Saturday 3 May, Debra and a group of friends (Paul Kalus, Steve Ireland, Sue Rogers and Alison Docherty)  went into Burnley town centre to offer shoppers free hugs as part of International Hug Week.  The huggers carried "Free Hugs" signs and wore "Free Hugs" T-shirts and encouraged shoppers to come for hugs.  There was no shortage of people keen to take up the offer.  The response was terrific and people from all ages, from toddlers to elderly people, came over to claim their free hugs.  A group of teenagers loved hugging so much that they joined the huggers for the last hour.

A hug is a simple and effective way of connecting with people, some of whom haven't experienced one for a long time.  After receiving a hug, one elderly lady thanked the huggers and said that she hadn't had a hug for 5 years since her husband died.  Another one had tears in her eyes because she thought the gesture of giving love was wonderful and that there should be more of this in the world. 

International Hug Week was created by Debra in order to spread a bit of unconditional love around the world. 

Anyone interested in organising their own hug event for International Hug Week in May 2009 can contact Debra: debra@globalhugs.com

To view the Burnley Express article printed on 13 May 2008 click here.