A free hug on a cold day goes a long way, A group of Calgarians braved the bitter cold to dole out free hugs to people walking near city hall yesterday as part of a multi-city Free Hug Day initiative.
“We want to spread a little love and compassion and hopefully people will continue on spreading the love. It’s a pay-it-forward concept,” said Best U Can B spokesperson Tina Thrussell.
Thrussell and other huggers spread the holiday cheer specifically on Dec. 13 because it is “close to Christmas,” she said. “It’s a nice way to de-stress and warm up people and their spirits and just spread some warmth.”
Most Calgarians respond with open arms, including Cindy Good, who thinks the idea is “fabulous.”
“I think it’s a great idea especially on a cold day like today. It’s a real spirit booster,” she said.
Hug recipient Craig Ferguson agreed: “It’s surprising, but a pleasant surprise and the city needs more of it. It’s nice and also warms you up a bit in the cold.”
The group were also selling “Free Hug” T-shirts with half the proceeds going towards Servants Anonymous, a group providing ongoing support to sexual abuse victims.
