On 27th April, at 14.30, YTNF volunteers from AVI-Moldova, forgathered in the Central Park of Chisinau. There is a fountain in the middle of the park where people usually sit on the sides, lots of alleys where people go for walk or stop and take a seat on the benches.

In the middle of this wonderful atmosphere, YTNF Moldova volunteers organized a Free Hugs event.
At the beginning we splat in small teams, consisting of 2-3 persons. Wearing our “YTNF” tee-shirts, we took our “Free hugs posters” and started our “Free Hugs campaign”. There were many people very likely to receive hugs : ).

The quaintest occurrence was when two police officers approached and asked what political party we represent. Our answer was that it is the National Week of Voluntary Service and we offer free hugs in order to promote tolerance among our society. We even proposed them one : ) they didn’t consent…so, we weren’t able to offer them our hugs, but we saw the flash on their faces. Then, we continued our Free Hugging action all together, and we where more successful in this formula.

The reactions to Free Hugs were very different. Some persons were really interested and came to ask for free hugs, others doubted about it, but finally ended by accepting a free hug, and the last ones were pleased only with watching and smiling…

For many of us it was the nicest thing we ever did with totally unknown people. After we made several rounds during several hours, hugging and spreading leaflets with info about SCI, AVI and YTNF, we went to a cafe to have a juice and to refresh our memories. We were recalling the different reactions people have had when we approached them. Lot of persons was asking: who are you? Why are you doing this? Are you at least paid to do it? Are you crazy? Are you some kind of sect? : ) Anyway, it was pleasant to hear many reactions like: it’s the best idea I ever saw, it’s so interesting, this is great, a hug would be good so Let’s hug, thank you!

This is an innovative street action for Moldova. It is somewhere nice, somewhere funny, and little crazy and quixotic at the time.

What did we get from this action? Well, except the fact that we informed people about the existence of AVI Moldova, YTNF and SCI work camps and made people think about the fact that we should be more tolerant with each other, we got lot of positive energy and kilos of good mood!

Green, quiet and peaceful, under the sun’s glam shine, the park accepted us with his opened arms!

PS: The free hugs action was started by Juan Mann, in Australia. www.freehugs.org