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Anchorage "Free Hugs" Event Brings Out Smiles

June 01, 2012|By Jason Lamb | Channel 2 News

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Anchorage man Jerry Addis, along with his family and friends, doled out free hugs last Friday night as part of an event he organized in downtown Anchorage with his family and friends, all of whom were decked out with signs and t-shirts emblazoned with the words "FREE HUGS."

There's no catch: unsuspecting downtown visitors were greeted by the group of about a dozen, and offered a free hug, no strings attached.

It was an idea Addis started last year, posting the event on YouTube.  He says all too often people are caught up in stressors in their lives, and they lose sight of what's truly important.

"I feel like the community out here needs somebody to standout show their true colors and have someone say, 'it’s ok to be a good person,'" Addis said.

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The idea of Free Hugs has been replicated around the country, which is where Addis got the idea.

"I’m not afraid to go above and beyond," Addis said.  "Like I tell my wife and all my friends all the time, I have absolutely no humility whatsoever."

Addis and his friends hugged dozens of unsuspecting people last Friday night, even a biker and cab driver waiting at stop lights.  Reactions of the hug recipients are often the best part. CLICK HERE to watch a compilation of the best reactions of the night.

Sandy Deel, a tourist from Texas, accepted a hug.  She loved the idea.

"I think the free hugs are awesome, thank y'all for sharing," she said.  "I can go to Alaska from texas and still get a hug!"

Contact Jason Lamb

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