One Big Hug

One Big Hug was a one-day public event hosted in 2022 in Toronto’s Little Jamaica. Its bold goal: to set a new world record for most nationalities in a group hug—and spark reconnection after years of pandemic-driven isolation. The day featured art, ritual, and shared experience leading up to the hug, which united participants from 83 different nationalities. The site was intentionally chosen to build deeper relationships in the community that would soon house Reset’s Community Living Room.

The idea for One Big Hug started playfully—born from a casual Reset conversation among founders and early community members exploring how we might address the deep disconnection left by the pandemic. What began as a joke evolved into something deeply resonant: a simple, bold act of togetherness that felt unmistakably Reset.

In a time when many were unsure how to reconnect, we wanted to offer an experience that felt both wildly connective and emotionally meaningful. One Big Hug created space to process the pandemic and take a joyful, collective step back toward each other—reminding us that community can start with something as simple and powerful as an embrace.

One Big Hug was co-created with generous collaborators and artists rooted in the local community. Our lead partner was Nia Centre for the Arts, who helped us shape the day’s programming with care and creativity. Dozens of community organizations and artists contributed to making the experience as vibrant and inclusive as it was.

The event was made possible through a $91,000 grant from the Canadian Government’s Department of Heritage, as part of their Reopening Fund—supporting organizations to help Canadians reconnect through cultural experiences post pandemic.