The Love Police Arizona in association with The Love Police Scotland:

International Free Hugs Day 2010

THIS IS GOING TO BE A SERIOUSLY FUN EVENT!

International Free Hugs Day flows on from the original idea of Juan Mann who started by giving out free hugs in Sydney in June 2004 in an effort to cheer up his day.

Research by psychologists has shown that when people hug, the brain releases the chemical, Oxytocin. This encourages social bonding and decreases fear.

A hug can bring down so many barriers, social, cultural, language etc. It will brighten up everyone's day and just one simple hug can be the catalyst that sparks the change in someones life....you have the power to make this happen!

So, the idea is to get as many synchronised "hugathons" going at the same time, on Saturday, July 3rd in as many towns and cities as possible and to share our experiences after the event through photos, videos and discussions.

The D-backs are playing the LA Dodgers at 6:30 and there will be fireworks over the stadium after the game. As it is so hot in Phoenix in July, I think this is the best opportunity we will have to give out hugs for Int'l Free Hugs Day (despite the fact we did our last action there).

****Again...there will drinks and merriment at Cooperstown afterward****

Participating cities Update:
As of Thursday June 24th cities confirmed as participating are

EDINBURGH - SCOTLAND
LONDON - ENGLAND
BRIGHTON- ENGLAND
CHELTENHAM - ENGLAND
WISBECH - ENGLAND
WATERFORD - IRELAND
LISBON - PORTUGAL
SANTAREM - PORTUGAL
BUENOS AIRES - ARGENTINA
RUIDOSO - NEW MEXICO
DENVER COLORADO
PHOENIX ARIZONA
PHILADELPHIA - P.A.
PENSACOLA - FLORIDA
EDMONTON - ALBERTA
SYDNEY - AUSTRALIA
MELBOURNE - AUSTRALIA