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Hugs! You Matter 2026

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Deadline: May 30, 2026 11:00 pm (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
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2026 Ferndale Pride Sweet 16
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Date: May 30, 2026 1:00 pm - May 30, 2026 10:00 pm (EST)
place
9 Mile And Woodward And Troy, Ferndale, Michigan 48220, United States

About the event

Ferndale Michigan hosts one of the largest LGBTQAI festivals in the state. 220 vendors line the streets of downtown, 3 stages of entertainment keep the crowds dancing, bars, restaurants and shops join in the fun creating a pride festival that has a little something for everyone. Vendors are open from 1:00-8:00pm but may stay open as late as the stages (10:00 p.m.) This year's event takes place on May 30, 2026.
Ferndale Pride
Ferndale Pride
Contact Organizer
Ferndale Pride
Ferndale Pride
Contact Organizer

About the application

Thank you for volunteering for Hugs for Ferndale Pride! You provide the most human service of all: validation through physical, compassionate touch. All Hugs Volunteers are required to wear the provided Hugs T-shirt. Masks are provided. Our non-gendered, non-binary t-shirts say, “Hugs, We Care,” on the front and, “You Matter,” on the back. This year's color is purple spirit representing magic and art. T-Shirts provided by Jim Schaffer & Associates. You may wander throughout the Pride or may be assigned an area that needs coverage. Be aware that not everyone may want a hug. Some people may prefer a handshake, elbow bump, high five or just need a listening ear. The only exception to this is if someone is acting in a way that is making you uncomfortable. Then direct them to our tent. If protestors or other negative or unsupportive signs and behaviors are present, please report it to the Hugs or Volunteer Check-In booths. Unfortunately, protest and dissent is something the community has always had to deal with. It is important that we are able to help. If someone is acting in a way that is making you uncomfortable, direct them to our tent.

Terms & Conditions

Walking for long distances and standing for long periods of time required for this task. You must be willing to speak, engage, sit, talk, listen and hug, if consent is given, all persons. No exceptions. No photos! Unless requested, and only if you give consent, too. Pride is a Safe Space and, therefore, confidential. By checking yes to terms and agreements I am signing this Indemnification Agreement, I hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless the Ferndale Community Foundation and its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors, representatives, successors and assigns, and all persons conducting directly or indirectly, the activities surrounding my involvement as a volunteer from any and all claims, rights, demands, actions, causes of action, expenses and damages, which I or my heirs, personal representative, successors, assigns or anyone claiming by, through or under me ever had, now have, or may have against the parties identified above arising from any injury, act or omission relating in the way to my participation as a volunteer connected with the performance of the Ferndale Pride Committee members and regardless of which claim, demand, damage, loss, cost or expense is caused in part by the negligence of the Ferndale Community Foundation, Ferndale Pride or by third parties, or by the agents, servants, employees, volunteers or factors of any of them.

Shifts

Title Location Time Slots available Hours
Hugs 1-3 9 Mile & Planavon May 30, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 25 2
Hugs 3-5 9 Mile & Planavon May 30, 2026 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm 25 2
Hugs 5-7 9 Mile & Planavon May 30, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 25 2
Hugs 7-9 9 Mile & Planavon May 30, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 25 2

Questions on the application

Volunteer information

  • Name
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Emergency contacts
  • T-shirt size

Additional information

  • What are your Pronouns?
  • Do you require a Letter and/or Signature as Proof of Volunteer Hours?
  • What is your T-Shirt size? (All Sizes are Adult Unisex)
  • Do you have any special needs / circumstances you would like us to know?
  • Do you agree to the Terms of Volunteering with Hugs / Ferndale Pride?
  • I authorize Ferndale Pride and Ferndale Community Foundation to use, reproduce, and distribute these photographs in all media forms, including but not limited to: Print and digital publications Social media platforms Promotional materials Website content Documentation of the event I understand that: These images may be used for promotional and educational purposes No compensation will be provided for the use of these images I retain the right to withdraw consent for future use by contacting [Organization Name] in writing By signing below, I confirm that I am at least 18 years of age and have the right to enter into this agreement.
Hugs! You Matter 2026
Hugs! You Matter 2026
2026 Ferndale Pride Sweet 16
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