I ran into the HugTrain the other day. Well, not the train itself, but the guy who runs the HugTrain across North America.

You might have seen it before, people who give out free hugs in public, at festivals, at train stations, in the street.

Arié went on his first hug tour across the US in 2009, and has gone every winter ever since.

He’s not only giving hugs to people he meets, but trying to raise awareness for mental health issues, especially during the holiday season when many people are feeling lonely and depressed.

The HugTrain’s goal is “to spread happiness and good feelings during the holiday season and make people feel that they matter. The train ride also provides a forum for creating discussions and awareness about mental health.”

I met him online when we connected about traveling and this blog, and went for a coffee. He showed me around my neighborhood, as he lives nearby and knows a great number of little places that I might have overlooked.

We connected right away and talked about politics, society, friendships and hugs. At a time when I am far from my friends, and I myself can only reach out to them online, virtually, its’ nice to meet someone as open and engaged as Arié.

Learn more about the HugTrain and next time you see one of these guys in the streets, go get a hug. It’ll make you feel better instantly.