A group of 麻豆精选 based friends are asking the community to do Boxing Day a bit differently this year and give, or at least receive, a free hug.
鈥淭he free hugs are given without expectation. I have hugged a man who hasn鈥檛 had a hug in nine years, since he lost his wife. I have hugged a street person who I see often and then everyone lined up to hug him. I am not sure who cried harder,鈥� said 麻豆精选鈥檚 Free Hug鈥檚 Team Leader Angie Clowry, in a press release issued the week before the eighth event.
RELATED: FREE HUGS TODAY AT THE KELOWNA SAILS
鈥淲e hug everyone from retirees, athletes, children, dogs, doctors to our communities most vulnerable. All we ask is that you bring your own free hug sign and take it with you when you leave, for next year.鈥�
Clowry went on to say that she wasn鈥檛 always thrilled with the hugging plan, but once she鈥檚 out doling out affection it changes how she feels for the day. Healthy physical contact does have healing properties and infants require it for healthy development.
鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing to see people鈥檚 reactions to our Free Hugs,鈥� she said. 鈥淪ome will say they were here the previous year and enjoy their annual Boxing Day walk to meet up with us for the Free Hug and some walk quite fast in the other direction.鈥�
The event started out as a salute to Wayne Cobb, who died in a motorcycle accident while saving his son.
鈥淚 am unsure if there is any bigger love than that,鈥� said Clowry. 鈥淎nd we honor his love for his family and friends by continuing the tradition in his memory. The free hugs crew hope you do something to Pay It Forward as Wayne loved to do.鈥�
麻豆精选鈥檚 free hug鈥檚 crew, welcomes you out for the 8th annual free hugs event held at noon at The Sails in 麻豆精选 on Boxing Day.
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