Sometimes, a hug is all we need.
Free Hugs is a real life controversial story of Juan Mann, a man whose sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their life. In this age of social disconnectedness and lack of human contact, the effects of the Free Hugs campaign became phenomenal. As this symbol of human hope spread across the city, police and officials ordered the Free Hugs campaign BANNED. We then witnessed the true spirit of humanity come together in what can only be described as awe inspiring. In the spirit of the free hugs campaign, PASS THIS TO A FRIEND and HUG A STRANGER! After all, if you can reach just one person...
How it all started:
I'd been living in London when my world turned upside down and I had to come home. By the time my plane landed back in Sydney, all I had left was a carry-on bag full of clothes and a world of troubles. There was no one to welcome me back, and no place to call home. I was a tourist in my hometown. Standing there in the arrivals terminal, watching other passengers meeting their waiting friends and family, with open arms and smiling faces, hugging and laughing together, I wanted someone out there to be waiting for me. To be happy to see me. To smile at me. To hug me. So I got some cardboard and a marker and made a sign. I found the busiest pedestrian intersection in the city and held that sign aloft, with the words "Free Hugs" on both sides. And for 15 minutes, people just stared right through me. The first person who stopped tapped me on the shoulder and told me how her dog had just died that morning. How that morning had been the one year anniversary of her only daughter dying in a car accident. How what she needed now, when she felt most alone in the world, was a hug. I got down on one knee, we put our arms around each other and when we parted, she was smiling. Everyone has problems and for sure mine haven't compared. But to see someone who was once frowning, smile even for a moment is worth it every time.
Why was it banned?
Public liability fear and red tape. But it's all okay now! Make sure to check your local laws before embarking on your Hugathon!
Visit http://www.freehugscampaign.org/ for more information!
Disclaimer: I didn't write any of this, just some editing. I thought it'd be good to let people know more background... raising awareness and all...
1 comment:
Shibu says to take this post off because she wants to do this for her quality project. I told her it was ok to copy you as long as she gave you credit. Maybe your teacher will give you extra credit for inspiring another person's project. I know you would LOVE extra credit so you should ask her about it. I hope you are feeling better tomorrow. :)
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