Cuddle parties growing in popularity
Posted March 22, 2015 10:17 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It’s a cozy trend that’s picking up speed. Cuddle parties are becoming a popular thing to do, including right here on the Lower Mainland. But a local facilitator feels there are too many misconceptions.
Karin Whittaker, who runs Richmond Cuddle Party, says it’s not sexual but consensual, adding the idea is to help those in need of another person’s touch. She says it’s also a way to learn about boundaries and consent.
Whittaker explains people go to her house, it’s a three-hour event and the cost is by donation of about $20. “I was only intending on running them once a month, but as soon as I went on the meet-up site I filled my events within 24 hours. I’m running five events a month now.”
“It’s available to everybody and anybody who feels they would like to experience more platonic touch in their lives or simply to just have a social event with others,” adds Whittaker.
There are two cuddle party locations in Metro Vancouver including Whittaker’s and she says it’s important to have the touch of another person.
“Maybe they’re single. Maybe they’re living far away from their families. Maybe their children are grown. For whatever reason, they are not receiving enough physical affection in their lives and they’re craving to be held, just to have somebody give them a hug. And just to experience that feeling of being comforted.”
You don’t need to be licensed to be a facilitator.