On February 15, 2025, a small but profound act of love and remembrance will unfold in Prince George, BC. For the third consecutive year, Aaron Vanderpool and his partner will host This Hug is 20 Seconds, an event born from a personal tragedy and an enduring love for their child, Taraji, who passed away in 2022. This community-driven initiative invites people to pause for a moment of connection and healing, sharing a simple but powerful 20-second hug.

Prince George lies on the traditional and unceded ancestral lands of the Lheidli T’enneh.  The word Lheidli means “where the two rivers flow together,” and T’enneh refers to “the People.” The Lheidli T’enneh have long been stewards of this land, and we honour their history, culture, and presence as we share this story.

For Aaron and his partner, This Hug is 20 Seconds is more than just an event. It’s a deeply personal expression of love, grief, and resilience. In the wake of Taraji’s passing, Aaron found himself holding on to the memory of the final gift his child gave him—a long, heartfelt hug on the night before they passed away. This moment became the seed for the campaign, and each year, Aaron and his partner have invited the community to join them in sharing this gift of connection.

“The last night I saw them before they died, they gifted me with a big, long, perfect hug,” Aaron says. “I love them and will miss them for all my days. They were my world, and this world will never be the same without them.”

The idea behind the event is simple yet powerful. Studies show that a 20-second hug can lift our spirits, reduce stress, and promote the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for feelings of happiness and connection. Aaron’s message is clear: in times of grief and loss, sometimes the most healing thing we can do is offer one another a moment of empathy and care.

On February 15, 2025, Aaron and his partner will host This Hug is 20 Seconds at Foundry Prince George, located in the heart of the city. From 1–3 pm, anyone is welcome to stop by and receive a 20-second hug from a caring volunteer. Aaron also encourages people to take part from wherever they are, sharing 20-second hugs with loved ones in their own communities.

The event will also feature a memorial board where people can share memories or photos of loved ones who have passed. It’s a space for healing, for honouring those no longer with us, and for coming together as a community in support of one another.

Aaron’s work as the RTVS Peer-to-Peer Technician at RCCbc speaks to the same values of connection, empathy, and community care that drive This Hug is 20 Seconds. In his role, Aaron supports healthcare providers in rural communities, helping them navigate and access Real Time Virtual Support (RTVS) pathways. His work ensures that healthcare professionals have the resources and guidance they need to provide care in remote settings. While his role focuses on supporting providers, his personal experiences with grief have shaped his broader commitment to community well-being, reinforcing the importance of feeling seen, supported, and connected—whether as a healthcare worker or a member of the community.

For Aaron, this event is not just about honouring Taraji’s memory. It’s also about reminding everyone that they are not alone. Whether you attend the event in person or share a hug wherever you are, these moments of connection are a reminder of the strength we find in one another.

Join Aaron and the community:

👉 Attend This Hug is 20 Seconds on February 15, 2025, at Foundry Prince George, from 1-3 pm.

👉 Share your own 20-second hug wherever you are and tag it with #ThisHugIs20Seconds.

👉 Take a moment to reflect on the power of a hug, and let it remind you that we are all connected, no matter how far apart we may feel.

👉 To learn more about the This Hug is 20 Seconds campaign, join their Facebook group and follow them on Instagram.

Let’s embrace healing, one hug at a time.