Advocates of Peace to offer free hugs Dec. 2

WHITNEY KNIGHT
Staff Writer
staffwriter1@occc.edu

Advocates of Peace club members will reach out and literally embrace others in order to spread tolerance and shatter stereotypes during Free Hugs Day, said Katie Williams, club president.

Williams said Free Hugs Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, near the OCCC Coffee Shop.

The event was inspired by a man who garnered police attention by offering free hugs on the streets of New York City, she said.

“It was the funniest thing ever, because no one would have dreamed of going and hugging random strangers on the streets,” Williams said.

“But it's like that on campus. We judge people based on their appearance. When you hug someone, those preconceptions you had about them just fade away.”

Williams said the event, held at least twice every semester, always leaves participants smiling.

“It's exhilarating,” she said. “There's nothing quite like it.”

For more information, contact Williams at katie.m.williams520@email.occc.edu or visit occc-advocatesofpeace.campusgroups.com