The initiative sees the combination of 'Adams Virtual Hug' with Ireland's traditional Céad Míle Fáilte greeting to send messages of love and friendship around the world for St. Patrick's Day.
Post Offices are stocked up with more than 2.5 million Adam's Virtual Hug postcards carrying either the message 'Barróg Duitse' or 'A Hug for You'.
For every hug posted, An Post will make a donation to Temple Street Hospital (Children’s Health Foundation) and Cork University Hospital Charity, helping children from all across Ireland.
An Post will monitor the number of hugs posted and their destination countries over the coming weeks, reporting back on the target of 100,000 hugs worldwide by 17th March.
Customers of all ages are invited to pick up their free Céad Mile Hugs postcards in any post office, pop on the national or international stamps, and send love and greetings to family and friends anywhere in the world.
Two leading national children's healthcare charities - Temple Street Hospital (Children's Health Foundation) and Cork University Hospital Charity - will benefit from the stamp sales
Speaking about the collaboration Adam King says he's "really happy that people will be able to share his hug all over the world and he can't wait to see all the places it goes!"
Adam's parents, Fiona and David, are thrilled with the partnership between their son and An Post. David commented:
"We are so honoured that An Post is joining with Adam and our family to send love around the world. Adam has always said his virtual hug is for everyone. Thanks to this partnership, we hope people at home and abroad will feel a global sense of connection and kindness."
An Post will also link up with Adam to take part in this year’s St Patrick’s Festival parade in Dublin on March 17th.
