While last Monday may have been an international day of non-violence, two Fanshawe students didn't need a special occasion to extend their own version of kindness to fellow students.

Jess Vaneyken, a second year liberal arts student, and Kevin Marshall, a first year chef apprentice student, didn't know about the International Day of Peace — but felt inspired to bring a little love to the college by giving out free hugs and handshakes for those who prefer their personal space.


“Jess asked, ‘What are you doing Monday? Want to go around and hug strangers?'” explained Marshall. “I said, ‘Why not? I have nothing better to do and I can make people happy.'”

The two started at 10:30 a.m. and by the early afternoon had gotten between 50 to 60 hugs, said Marshall.

“People look at us as if we were crazy or that we're in a psychology class,” he said.

“People ask if we're serious or not,” added Vaneyken.

But the two found that people realized these two were legitimate, they were receptive.

“They did seem awkward at first, but (as we're) walking by people more than once, people give in,” said Marshall.