Be the Difference: One Hug At A Time

🤗Join the Global Hug Mission
and help us reach 1 million hugs!

We’re building the biggest hugfest ever, and we need you! Join the Global Hug Squad and be part of a powerful movement that changes lives, one hug at a time.

Since 2008, I’ve seen how hugs can heal, uplift, and unite. Positive Focus was created to inspire love, kindness, and peace. Now, our hug mission is reaching hearts across the globe, one embrace at a time.

MILLION HUG MISSION PROGRESS

COUNTDOWN TO GLOBAL HUG WEEKEND

Every hug matters. Together, we’re creating a ripple of love.

Join us the first weekend of May!

HUG-O-METER
0
Days
Hours
Minutes

Why Hugs?

Because hugs change lives.

A hug can comfort grief, celebrate joy, ease anxiety, or create connection between strangers. It’s one of the simplest, most powerful ways we remind someone they matter.

Since 2008, I’ve witnessed the impact of a simple hug, again and again. From comforting a grieving widow, to receiving an unexpected email from someone’s friend, who said that hug encouraged them to go home instead of heading to the bar, to sparking international friendships, hugs heal.

Whether it’s a bear hug, a gentle heart-to-heart, or a light embrace, every hug is an offering, not an expectation.
People should always feel comfortable walking by without receiving a hug—but many will thank you for spreading kindness.

 

Safety first: Please follow all local safety guidelines.

About Positive Focus

The Heart Behind the Hugs

Positive Focus was founded in 2007 and became a nonprofit in 2009. What began with events and outreach has grown into a global hug movement. While we still believe in the power of positive thought leadership, our primary focus is hugs, reminding people they matter, one embrace at a time.

 

We envision a world where each person feels seen, heard, and valued. That starts with kindness and continues with connection.

How To Get Involved

Join the Global Hug Mission
Become part of the Global Hug Squad and participate in Global Hug Weekend or join us year-round. Every hug counts.

Become a Hug Hero

Support the mission with a monthly or one-time donation to spread more love.

Hug Stories

Ready to Hug the World with Us?

Whether you’re a seasoned hugger or new to the mission, your embrace can change a life. Join us in spreading love, kindness, and connection, one hug at a time.

Watch, Listen, and Learn
More About Our Hug Mission

The original video that 

inspired it all.

A beautiful song written by 

my friend Kris Voelker

Welcome to the Global Hugs Community!

View Past Global Hug Photos

Take a look at photos from past Global Hug events and see how hugs have connected people worldwide.

2026 Global Hug Locations

CONTINENTS (1)

COUNTRIES (1)

US STATES (2)

North America

United States

Florida, Illinois,  

NORTH AMERICAN LOCATIONS

UNITED STATES:

Florida:

Chuluota

Laura

Public event

 Illinois:

Chicago

Carol, Tony, (Yes),

May 2nd: 1:00 – 2:30 PM

Chicagoland

Sheryl (Yes),

All weekend

The (yes) behind names signifies they would like to meet other huggers in their area.

 If you choose yes on the registration form, then I will connect you via email

 with other huggers in your area that also chose yes. 

(That is the ONLY time I would share your email address)

2025 Global Hug Locations

2025 HUGGERS

Continents: 5 | Countries 8 |US States 20

AFRICA (3):
Elaine (Botswana), Loretta (Kenya),  Mqaphelisi (South Africa) 

ASIA (1):
Loretta (Kuwait)

AUSTRALIA (1): 
Linda (New South Wales)

EUROPE (2):
Ursula (Austria), Emily (the Netherlands)

NORTH AMERICA:

Canada (3): Giuliana (Calgary), Cindy (Kelowna), Anne (Quebec)

United States (20): Peter & Gina (Alabama), Suanne (Alaska)Holly (Arizona), Laura, Sharyl (Florida), Sharon (Georgia), BJ, Lisa (Hawaii), Carol, Tony, Rossi, Edita, Katherine, Sheryl, Stacey (Illinois), Bonnie (Iowa), Libby (Louisiana), Jen (Maryland), Frank & Sue (Massachusetts), Ellen, Jim & Stuart, Judy (Michigan), Kelly & daughter (Montana), Jowanna (New Mexico), Victor (New York), Gail (North Carolina), Gina & Dave (Ohio), Paul (Oregon), Edie (Pennsylvania), Jane, Kate (Wisconsin)

Previous Hug Locations

Since 2008

CONTINENTS: 7 | COUNTRIES: 47 |US STATES: 36
Desmond Tutu (twice)
Juan Mann (founder of free hugs)
Humanity’s Team
CONTINENTS (7)

Africa 

Antarctica

Asia 

Australasia/Oceania

Europe 

North America 

South America

COUNTRIES (49)

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand,   United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam

US STATES (37)

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California,  Colorado,| Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington,  Wisconsin

Other

British Virgin Islands, Guam, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Washington DC

About Global Hugs
Founded in 2008 by Carol CC Miller through Positive Focus, Global Hugs is a worldwide initiative dedicated to spreading kindness and connection through the power of hugs. Every May, Global Hugs Weekend brings people together to share love and warmth, and with year-round participation, we’re working toward our mission of one million hugs. This movement is creating a global ripple of positivity, proving that a simple hug can make a world of difference.

Scroll to Top