A Prince George family is hosting an event encouraging 20-second hugs in memory of their 13-year-old child, Taraji, who died last June.
The goal is to share 200 hugs and Taraji’s family is partnering with Foundry Prince George, PG Pride Society and Downtown Prince George to host the event during Downtown Winterfest on Saturday.
The campaign called “This Hug is 20 Seconds” honours Taraji, who was non-binary, and their final gift to their dad the night before they died, which was a big hug.
“I was really looking for a way to take care of myself and it occurred to me that I could honour my child, and also take care of myself at the same time, because hugs are awesome and especially a 20-second hug is considered therapeutic,” said Taraji’s dad Aaron Vanderpool, noting that research shows a 20-second hugs can lift your mood, reduce your stress, and boost your happy hormones (oxytocin).
“So, I was surprised and really delighted to get that hug, and that experience of getting that hug from them is something that I wanted to share with other people.”
Vanderpool says the memory of that hug is very healing and he’s hoping to encourage people to take the time to show people in your life that you love, care and appreciate them.
“Really, this is just in honour of Taraji and how great they were. I know myself as a dad I miss them. But I know that the community misses them, and their friends and schoolteachers miss them and they really, really made an impact,” said Vanderpool.
“We never really know the impact that we leave on other people.”
Those who want to participate can stop by Foundry (1148 7th Ave; just off Veteran’s Square) between 1 and 3 p.m. for a 20-second hug from a caring volunteer.
People are also encouraged to participate wherever they are located by sharing 20-second hugs with those around them on February 18.
The Vanderpool family is also asking people to report back on how many people they hugged on Feb. 18 so that they can track their goal of 200 hugs.
“I also know that I may not get 200 physical people participating so that's, that's why I've decided to use Facebook and, and TikTok to spread the word. So, even if you can't physically attend in Prince George, then wherever you are, you can take the time to hug those people that are important to you in your life, and then report back. That's the intention.”
Vanderpool said he’s hoping that even just one person somewhere will take the time to show their love and appreciation for another human being just by giving them a hug.
To learn more about the “This Hug is 20 Seconds” campaign, join their Facebook group.
