Announcing National Hugging Day™ - Thursday January 21, 2021

    CARO, MI, January 19, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The COVOD-19 pandemic precautions have appropriately led to calls for "social distancing" and masking-up to help prevent the spread of this virus. Families need to experience the human touch to thrive and improve overall health and emotional well-being. Hate, bigotry and violence is increasing. Humanity is becoming more and more fearful and isolated. People are starting to believe there are no safe places to go, grow and thrive as community. We look at others with trepidation and wonder how we, our families and friends can remain safe. "Thoughts & Prayers" for the victims and families of hate/violence are necessary and productive, yet those actions often fall short as they can seem empty without faith, hope and something tangible with which to connect. What can be done?

This is where National Hugging Day™ can help. Healing and change CAN occur when we come together in love and acceptance as one human family. During the pandemic, use caution if hugging and try to keep it within your immediate family or "bubble."

In recognition of those who are making this difference through hugging:

Official Announcement: "THE MOST HUGGABLE PEOPLE OF 2021"

CHRISTOPHER SWANSON (Sheriff, Genesee County Michigan) who on May 30, 2020 along with other law enforcement officers met diverse demonstrators protesting George Floyd's killing marching toward the Flint Township Police Headquarters. Despite tensions flaring, Sheriff Swanson later explained, "When I saw the crowd and felt the frustration and the fact that we were only accelerating the issue, it was time to take the helmet off, go to the shot-caller, the lead organizer, give him a big fat hug, and say, 'What do we need to do?' That was the tension breaker." He told the crowd, "These Cops love you. That cop over there hugs people. You tell us what we need to do." The crowd started chanting, "Walk with us." They did. "The mindset and hearts of the crowd changed. Change comes with action. There were no arrests, no fires and no injuries." The Power of Hugging! (ref. https://www.today.com/news/michigan-sheriff-christopher-swanson-explains-removing-gear-join-protesters-t182809).

Hug Curtain Inventors: PAIGE OKRAY (at just 10 years old of Riverside), California who used a shower curtain fitted with plastic sleeves that allow the wearer to embrace their loved ones (which she used to embrace her grandparents) — without actually making physical contact with them (ref. https://abc7.com/6172620/); and ANTONY CAUVIN (of Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom) who bought a clear shower curtain and shoulder-length sleeves, put holes through the plastic, taped them up to put one's arms through to safely hug someone (in Anthony's case his grandmother). (ref. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1283534/coronavirus-lockdown-grandon-curtain-cuddle-video-Antony-Cauvin).

National Hugging Day LLC and National Hugging Day™ is a culmination of 35 years of educating and promoting to citizens of our global community the values and benefits directly related to love and kindness through the power of consensual hugging.

This global celebration has become an internationally recognized observance that embraces hugging. While some encourage hugging everyone, National Hugging Day™ (also referred to as National Hug Day, Hug Day, International/Global Hug Day, or International Hugging Day) suggests hugging within family and friends, asking permission first, and following WHO and CDC guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. First published in Chase's Annual Events in 1986, it has grown enormously in worldwide popularity. A sample of locales include: United States of America, Canada, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Guam, Australia, Georgia (the country), England, South Africa, Columbia, Argentina, and Russia.

Sponsorships are being sought for 2022 events. Contact Kevin Zaborney, creator and founder, for media interviews, permissions and speaking engagements. For more information, visit www.nationalhuggingday.com

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