Everyone could use a hug.

A team of eight Newmarket huggers are getting ready to set a Guinness World Record for the most hugs in 60 minutes. The local hug-a-thon will take place Oct. 27 at Trinity United Church from 1 to 4 p.m.

The event bloomed from the mind of local Nancy Bodi who was actively looking for unique ways to raise funds in the community.

“When I thought of this a year and a half ago I immediately applied to set a record,” she said. “I wanted to bring the community together to have some fun and once it was approved, I had to figure out a way to bring it to life.”

All the pieces have come together, the huggers, the volunteer organizing committee and the local vendors who will be providing entertainment and refreshments throughout the event.

The funds raised prior to and at the event will benefit Youth Speak and Global Strides.

“Now all we need is for the public to come out and give us a hug,” she added. “Please, we need everyone to come out and be a part of this.”

In order to put Newmarket on the map for the most hugs in an hour, the team will have to engage in 2,450 complete hugs that will be documented via a log book, photographs, video and witnesses, which will then be submitted to Guinness as evidence.

Participants should arrive a little earlier than the hugs begin at 2 p.m. so they can be given a number and line up to receive a hug from the team members inside the church.