On Sunday, August 24th, the Miss Teen Newfoundland & Labrador pageant coordinated an attempt for this record at Marine Park. Unfortunately, we weren't successful in breaking the current record of 4,703 people which was held at Rinkaby skjutfalt, Fristianstad, Sweden, but we sure had fun trying - and we will try again next year! Preparations to arrange people for the actual hug began at 3:00 p.m. the hug took place at 4:00 p.m.
In order to participate in the record attempt, we asked each participant to bring along a non-perishable food item which will be donated to the Community Food Sharing Association - to help fill the shelves at a time when “back to school” expenses are a burden to many.
Article from the Evening Telegram,
August 25, 2003
Here are the rules:
1. The numbers of participants are confirmed by individuals signing their own names once only on a form witnessed by two independent persons. no "ditto" marks accepted.
2. Participants must stand in a circular ring formation, within arm's reach of the person either side of them. The circle should only be one person deep - participants in any inner rings will not be recognised.
3. The circle cannot fold in on itself in any way.
4. Each person should put their right arm round the waist of the person on their right, and their left arm round the waist of the person on their left. At a given signal, each participant should squeeze the person on either side of him or her, holding the hug for a minimum of 10 seconds.
It is important to remember our purpose, which is to fill the shelves of the Community Food Sharing Association at a time when "back to school" expenses are difficult to many families. We encourage everyone to make a donation to your local Community Food Sharing Association!