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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!
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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.