Yellow Ribbon Project 2011 Activities
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Yellow Ribbon Project 2011 – Little Gestures, Big Difference
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Into it's eight year, the YRP has gained high public awareness of giving second chances to ex-offenders who desire to change and increasingly garnered more community support in providing opportunities for reintegration. 91% of the respondents from our post campaign survey conducted in 2010 were aware of the Yellow Ribbon cause. In addition, over 1,200 volunteers and 900 new employers had signed up with YRP to help ex-offenders since its inception.
Themed “Small Gestures, Big Difference”, the YRP campaign 2011 aims to continue the call for community acceptance and action for ex-offenders and their families. Every little kind gestures can make a difference in the lives of those who yearn for a beginning. Mother Theresa once said, “We can do no great things – only small things with great love”. Everyone can play a small yet significant role in helping ex-offenders as they walked out of their past to embrace a brand new start. A warm greeting, a friendly smile or extending a helping hand at work may be all it needs to bring hope to someone.
Legal fraternity does their part for Beneficiaries of The Salvation Army Prison Support ServicesCelebrating Second Chances Awards 2011
Yellow Ribbon Tribute of Love - Community Service Project
Yellow Ribbon Prison Run 2011
International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) prison visit to the helping hand halfway house, on friday 16th september 2011
Yellow Ribbon Community Art Exhibition 2011 Launch
Wear A Yellow Ribbon Activity
Yellow Ribbon Gala Dinner
Yellow Ribbon Charity Waterless Carwash
Yellow Ribbon Art Competition
Yellow Ribbon Roadshow @ Kang West Racial Harmony Day cum Emergency Preparedness Day 2011
Running Maverick, Mok Ying Ren, Yellow Ribbon Supporter
RUNFREE club was successfully launched! (ISCOS Running Club)
Yellow Ribbon Tribute of Love, Celebrating Mother's Day Luncheon
Yellow Ribbon Culinary Competition Finals 2011
Yellow Ribbon @ CSSP 2011- Community Engagement and Crime Prevention Day "A Role For Everyone"
Legal fraternity does their part for Beneficiaries of The Salvation Army Prison Support Services
Date: 3 December 2011Venue: Udders Ice Cream (Siglap)
The Singapore Academy of Law (“SAL”) Charity Project 2011 “Ice Cream + Charity = A Sweet Combination” kicked off with a thrill on the morning of Saturday 03 Dec.
In support of The Yellow Ribbon Fund and The Salvation Army Prison Support Services “Kids in Play” Programme, 48 beneficiaries, aged 9 to 12 years old, were taken on a drive in a fleet of colourful Ferraris, Porsches and Lamborghinis from the ExotiCar Club of Singapore. The cars ferried the beneficiaries to Udders Ice Cream at Siglap for a hands-on ice cream making session and an Ice Cream Buffet. End of the day, the beneficiaries received gifts and NUTC vouchers from the Honourable Justice Lai Siu Chiu, Chairperson of SAL’s Membership and Social Committee. For the beneficiaries, it was certainly a wish coming true.
"It was indeed one of the children's favorite Christmas treat of the year! The friendly and generous owners of the luxury cars made the children's dream to ride on their favorite branded sports coupés a reality! We surely arrived at our destination in style!" – Ms Katherine Peh, Centre Head of the Salvation Army.
Members of the Academy which comprise the Judiciary, private practitioners, the Legal Service, corporate lawyers and faculty members of law schools, as well as the members from the ExotiCar Club donated close to $23,600 which will be channeled to the Yellow Ribbon Fund. The core function of the Yellow Ribbon Fund is to administer funding to the development and implementation of reintegration programmes for inmates and ex-offenders. This includes family support programme such as “Kids In Play”.
Funded by The Yellow Ribbon Fund, “Kids In Play” is an outreach programme that reaches out to inmates and their families. The programme provides mentoring, counseling, befriending services, family bonding session and meaningful ad hoc activities (ie, family camps, outings). Such activities enable the ex-offenders to integrate themselves into the society and also build a stronger and upbeat relationship with their children. To date, this programme had assisted 360 beneficiaries.
Celebrating Second Chances Awards 2011
Date: 15 October 2011Venue: Suntec City
GOH: Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Ministry of Finance and Transport
The Yellow Ribbon Celebrating Second Chances Awards Ceremony, which is being held for the fifth time, specifically recognises ex-offenders who have enhanced their skill or education levels, kept themselves gainfully employed, and in doing so, have contributed to their families and society.
This year a total of 206 ex-offenders were commended for their success in leading crime-free lives and becoming contributing members of society for at least 3 years. The Yellow Ribbon Project also honoured 59 organisations whom had offered employment opportunities and support for ex-offenders.
We are heartened that a large number of ex-offenders have succeeded in rebuilding their lives and serve as positive examples to others who are still in the process of gaining acceptance from their families and employers. Their success would not have been possible without community acceptance and support. We hope that everyone can play their part in helping deserving ex-offenders stay on the straight and narrow.”
Yellow Ribbon Tribute of Love - Community Service Project
Venue: GOH: Mr Seah Kian Peng, Deputy Speaker
Joining in the spirit of “giving back”, a group of more than 50 ex-offenders and volunteers led by ISCOS served up a special lunch for residents of the Lions Home For The Elderly cooked by inmates from Changi Prison Complex.
Dressed in yellow, they spent the morning at the nursing home as part of the annual Yellow Ribbon Tribute of Love, Community Service Project Luncheon. Apart from serving them meals, the volunteers brought cheer and laughter to the elderly through games, karaoke sessions and simple art activities.
The event also gave ex-offenders a chance to give back to the community through some games and activities with the elderly.
ISCOS raised a total of $2,500 for Lions Club of Singapore and this was matched by the Southeast Community Development Council, bringing the total raised to S$5,000.
Yellow Ribbon Prison Run 2011
Venue: GOH: MG (NS) Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports & Minister of State, Ministry of Information Communications and the Arts
Earmarked as one of best races this year by some runners, a record number of 9.300 runners sacrificed their Sunday morning slumber to take part in the third Yellow Ribbon Prison Run 2011
Themed "Beyond The Run", the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run is all about giving ex-offenders a second chance to start afresh. The turn-out that morning has illustrated the strong show of support by the community cheering collectively to a message of hope for all ex-offenders "to pick themselves up and to get back on track".
The unique and scenic run route set runners on an adventure through time as they traversed past several historical sites such as the Johore Battery and the Changi Chapel Museum before entering Changi Prison Complex through the iconic Changi Prison Gate.
Greeting runners at the end point was a carnival. It was feature-packed with a sports massage sponsored by Tiger Balm Active, sponsors booth featuring retailers Bauer Fiend and Ace Compression, who were selling their apparels and donation part proceeds to the Yellow Ribbon Fund.
The highlight of the carnival shone on the rehabilitation fair and the inspirational inmate performances who stole the crowd with their rousing and grooving numbers.
Produced and conceptualised together with an ex-offender turned professional photographer, the rehabilitation fair illustrated the reintegration journey of an ex-offender and his family through a photo-exhibition. Complete with a prison art exhibition, mock-up prison cell, mock-up visit cubicle and an entertaining array of games, the rehabilitation fair attracted hordes of runners to it.
Acting Minister for Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts MG(NS)Chan Chun Sing flagged off the 10-kilometre competitive race before joining runners for the 6km fun run.
International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) prison visit to the helping hand halfway house, on friday 16th september 2011
This year, the Singapore Prison Service hosted the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) 13th Annual Conference. A segment of the programme included Prison Visits to facilities of the Singapore Prison Service and 2 halfway houses. The half-day visits to the various locations were held concurrently on 16th September 2011 and international ICPA delegates were encouraged to sign-up for a location that they would like to visit.
10 delegates from various countries chose to visit The Helping Hand Halfway House that was founded by Mr Robert Yeo, a former morphine addict, in 1987. During the visit, Mr Chia Shih Sheung, CEO of The Helping Hand, and his staffs gave a light-hearted informative session on their rehabilitation programmes, the halfway house service model (HSM) and the various departments within The Helping Hand.
Mr Chia highlighted that work therapy is a big part of the halfway house’s 6-month rehabilitation programme. The Helping Hand advocates work by employing their clients and paying them. Other areas of the rehabilitation programme are spiritual, social and physical therapies. Mr Chia ended the presentation by sharing a success story of their walk-in client, Mr Jonathan Tan, who is now in charge of The Helping Hand’s landscaping department and generates a monthly income of $2000.
In the next segment of the programme, delegates were given a tour of The Helping Hand’s premises such as the dormitories, kitchen and recreational facilities. Delegates also had the opportunity to set their eyes on a large selection of imported, beautiful teak furniture at The Helping Hand’s showroom. The sale of teak furniture and professional mover services are the 2 businesses that The Helping Hand runs to provide work therapy for clients.
After the tour, delegates had an open discussion session with 3 clients of The Helping Hand who had been in the halfway house for a period of 1 - 9 months. They were asked questions such as “How has The Helping Hand impacted your life?”. Clients shared that The Helping Hand has helped them lived a more disciplined and healthy lifestyle. They added that they preferred to come to a halfway house instead of being directly released from Prisons because there were support and guidance to better prepare them for reintegration.
Overall, the delegates had an eye-opening experience at the halfway house and many said they learnt a lot about residential transitional care for offenders.
Yellow Ribbon Community Art Exhibition 2011 Launch
Venue: Singapore Art Museum
GOH: Mr Hri Kumar, Member of Parliament for Bishan - Toa Payoh GRC
After an emotive video presentation to kick-start the event, Mr Abdul Razak shared his arduous but inspiring rehabilitation and reintegration journey – from a familiar face in Drug Rehabilitation Centres to an established commercial artist and businessman.
The event was graced by the Guest-of-Honour Mr Hri Kumar Nair, MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. He spoke of great support and appreciation of the meaningful work the Yellow Ribbon Project has done to engage the community in accepting ex-offenders and their families.
Such concerted support and testimonies from all members of society provides a ripple of hope to all inmates and ex-offenders.
The dispensability of words makes art a universal language that all strata of society can understand and appreciate. It is no surprise that Yellow Ribbon has employed art as a rehabilitative and reintegrative platform for inmates and ex-offenders. Proving it to be an effective platform, Yellow Ribbon received over 400 entries from inmates and ex-offenders this year, out of which the top 50 pieces are displayed at the exhibition.
The theme for this year is “Tomorrow is My Reality”. “Tomorrow” is a double-edged sword, for it conveys a sense of hope but also a sense of uncertainty. Yet, this hopeful yet uncertain “tomorrow” is an inescapable “reality” that inmates must face in their impending release. Through these artwork, they express conflicting emotions, document struggles and attest to their resolve to use this second chance given to make it good in life.
Adopt these original artwork in support of the Yellow Ribbon Fund today! Our online catalogue can be viewed at www.yellowribbonprisonarts.sg.
Wear A Yellow Ribbon Activity (Month of September)
Wear A Yellow Ribbon Street Sales Day, 24th August 2011
The simple act of wearing the Yellow Ribbon is an active display of the community’s support in offering second chances and acceptance of ex-offenders. Show your support in offering second chances and acceptance of ex-offenders this September by wearing a Yellow Ribbon! Each Yellow Ribbon is specially handmade by an inmate and it symbolises his hope for forgiveness and acceptance.
On the 24th of August this year Singapore saw more than 800 volunteers thronging the streets at the various train stations to distribute Yellow Ribbons.
The one day activity raised a total of $35,000. If you still would like to get your ribbons, email to us at yellowribbonproj@yahoo.com.sg
Yellow Ribbon Gala Dinner
Venue: Shangri-La Hotel
GOH: Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister & Coordinating Minister for National Security & Minister for Home Affairs
Amongst all the elegance, glam and glitz were about 600 guests with a generous heart. Led by a group of spirited and kind-hearted volunteers who paved the way and brought in their personal contacts, the Yellow Ribbon Fund organised their third Gala Dinner at the Shangri-La hotel.
The event was graced by the Guest-of- Honour Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs. Being the first Yellow Ribbon event attended as Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Teo said he was heartened and encouraged to see tremendous support from the community.
The dinner kicked off with a song item by the inmates from the Performing Art Centre (PAC) where they impressed guests with their groovy beats and numbers from the 80s. Another inspiring performance for the night was a motivational song “Hero” – from all time diva Mariah Carey – sang by a female inmate.
The event also featured a performance by our beneficiaries from Life Community Services, where they joined professional beatboxer Charles in a beatboxing showdown.
However, the highlight for the night was an awesome performance by Director of Prisons, Mr Soh Wai Wah who partnered inmates from PAC in an inspirational piano piece to help raise more than $70,000 for the YRF.
Yellow Ribbon Charity Waterless Carwash
Venue: East Coast Park, Carpark C3, Behind Marine Bowl
Time: 11am – 6pm
Price: Normal: $12 | MPV: $15
Peter Tan Organisation and Signature carwash partnered YRP on 6 August at East Coast Park, Carpark C3, Behind Marine Bowl. Using a unique washing method "washing without water", the activity rasied more than $10,000. Full proceeds was donated to the Yellow Ribbon Fund to help fund programmes for exoffenders and their families.
This event is sponsored by Peter Tan Organisation, representing Prudential and Signature Wash'
Yellow Ribbon Art Competition
Venue: Changi Prison Complex
GOH: Mr Peter Seah, Chairman Of Lasalle College Of The Arts
The Yellow Ribbon Art Competition Finals held on 14 July 2011 saw artistic creations of 15 inmates and ex-offenders selected as winning entries. A total of 401 entries were submitted this year, and winners were chosen by a panel of external judges comprising leading members of the local arts community.
The Yellow Ribbon Art Competition is part of the Yellow Ribbon Project, aimed at encouraging the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and ex-offenders. It serves as a platform for them to express their feelings and thoughts through art, while showcasing their artistic talents.
Themed Tomorrow is my Reality, the Yellow Ribbon Art Competition 2011 is inspired by both the sense of uncertainty and hope that inmates face in their rehabilitation and reintegration journey, while recognizing that inmates and ex-offenders have the power to determine their own futures.
Members of the public will get to view the winning entries, which will be displayed at the Yellow Ribbon Community Art Exhibition from 9 – 25 September 2011 at the Singapore Art Museum
Yellow Ribbon Roadshow @ Kang West Racial Harmony Day cum Emergency Preparedness Day 2011
Venue: Anchorvale CC Level 1
Time: 3pm – 5.30pm
The Yellow Ribbon team organised a roadshow at Seng Kang West Racial Harmony Day cum Emergency Preparedness Day 2011. Many people dropped in and gave us their support by purchasing some handmade collaterals by inmates at the roadshow. The event featured kids’ colouring competition and games stall.
Running Maverick, Mok Ying Ren, Yellow Ribbon Supporter
Mok Ying Ren started swimming at the age of 11. He went on to pick up triathlon during his college days in Raffles Junior College. Today, he is one of Singapore’s fastest marathon runner (A National Record Holder, SEA Games Gold Medalist and 2x Singapore Marathon Local champion).
Despite his busy schedule in medical school, he decided to concentrate on running as he feels that it is an extremely time efficient sport. He said, "A typical run starts from your own doorstep and ends when you finish at your doorstep. No time is wasted traveling."
His success today is not without failure.
"I failed to qualify for the 2005 SEA Games in triathlon when I finished 3rd in the trials. Only the first 2 got to qualify. Thus, for the next 2 years I worked harder and qualified for it in 2007, winning the gold medal eventually. If you do not work hard and prove yourself, no one will owe you a second chance. This incident shows that in all aspects of life, one needs to prove that he/she is deserving of the second chance given."
On supporting the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run, he shared that this event is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of giving second chances.
"As runners, we like to be given second chances to break our own Personal-Bests when we do not break them at a particular run. That is why as runners, we can't wait to take part in the next race to strive and achieve a new Personal-Best. Similarly, deserving ex-offenders should be given second chances in life so that they can becoming contributing members of society after their release. Everyone makes mistakes and if they are willing to start anew, we as a society, should show them our support."
RUNFREE club was successfully launched! (ISCOS Running Club)
Organised by ISCOS, a co-operative for ex-offenders that provides aftercare services to help in their reintegration into society, the first run was a success with 10 ISCOS volunteers, Yellow Ribbon Project supporters and ex-offenders turning up on a balmy morning at Bedok Reservoir Park.
The runners were excited and in good spirits, and everyone was ready to start on this journey, not only towards a fit and healthy life, but also to encourage ex-offenders towards a better life.
Shariff, or more popularly known as the Singapore Blade Runner, also attended the run in support of the Yellow Ribbon cause. A local ultra-marathon runner and amputee, he serves as an inspirational role model for ex-offenders and members of the RUNFREE club.
The short 4.3km run around Bedok reservoir ended off with Shariff sharing tips on running postures and training for marathons. A friendly tip for all budding marathon runners who are wondering about the pre-run diet: "Durians can be taken before a marathon. The sugar and calories will give you a stronger edge and more energy to last on long runs."
An ISCOS member who took part in the run said, "I used to run alone after my release from prison as a way to keep fit and de-stress. I'm ecstatic that ISCOS has organised a running club and hope to make new friends who share a common interest."
The RUNFREE club will be organising weekly runs and would like to invite running enthusiasts and supporters to join them. Do share this with your friends and leave us a comment at http://www.facebook.com/yellowribbonproj if you'd like to be kept updated on RUNFREE club's schedule.
Yellow Ribbon Tribute of Love, Celebrating Mother's Day Luncheon
Time: 7.45am
Venue: Changi Prison Complex
The intense competition took a step back on 14th May 2011 as the 10 finalists from the Yellow Ribbon Culinary Competition came together with a common goal to give their family members and loved ones a treat.
Polished and appearing confident, the 10 finalists under the tutelage of chef mentors from Shatec Institutes, took the rare opportunity to whip up their winning dishes for their loved ones and family members at the Yellow Ribbon Tribute of Love, Celebrating Mother's Day Luncheon. The 3 course lunch were dedicated to their family members as their tribute of love for the relentless support received throughout their incarceration.
The event was rounded off with a family bonding session to promote family reconciliation. One family member gratefully said that, "Nothing can be deemed more satisfying than a heart-warming meal cooked with love and tears by your family member."
Yellow Ribbon Culinary Competition Finals 2011
Venue: Changi Prison Complex
The Yellow Ribbon Culinary Programme was kicked off with the culinary competition finals on 29th April 2011. The Yellow Ribbon Culinary Programme was incepted with the focus to continue developing the culinary skills of the participants and providing them with opportunities for continual education through a certified course.
For the last two years, Singapore Hotel Association Training and Education Centre (SHATEC) Institutes partnered YRP in the organisation of the Yellow Ribbon Culinary Programme and successfully conducted two classes of the Certificate in Basic Culinary Skills Course.
This year, 46 inmate participants from the Yellow Ribbon Culinary Competition competed for the rare opportunity to cook their winning dishes for their family members during the Yellow Ribbon Tribute of Love “Mother’s Day Luncheon”. Only a total of 10 finalists from 3 teams made it to the finals.
Judged by seasoned chefs from the Singapore Chefs Association: Tony Khoo, Executive Chef at Marina Mandarin; Louis Tay, Executive Chef at The Tanglin Club Singapore; Eric Neo, Executive Chef at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel and Chef Lawrence Toon from Shatec Institutes, the finalists served a three course meal based on western cuisine using a selected array of ingredients and planned their meal on a $60 budget.
To up the ante, a mystery ingredient was introduced 15 minutes before the cooking started.
"Through the Yellow Ribbon Project culinary competition, inmates are given the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers. We encourage employers in the F&B industry to give ex-offenders a second chance to break the offending cycle and hire them based on merit," said Ms Paulin Chua, Assistant Director of Food Services, Business Enterprise & Industry at the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE).
Yellow Ribbon @ CSSP 2011- Community Engagement and Crime Prevention Day "A Role For Everyone"
Venue: Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre
Organised by the Clementi Police Division, the Yellow Ribbon team were present to fund raise and build awareness of the cause through donations and sales of original collaterals handmade by inmates. Gracing the event was Dr Amy Khor, Mayor of South West Community Development Council, a familiar face to the Yellow Ribbon Project.
Yellow Ribbon Culinary Programe Graduation Ceremony 2011
Time: 7.45am
Venue: Changi Prison Complex
Sizzles and the aroma of sweet reunion permeated from the kitchen in Changi Prison Complex as the 18 graduants prepared their finest dishes for their family members at the Yellow Ribbon Culinary Programme Graduation Ceremony. Marking the end of their 9 months culinary journey, the 18 graduants received their hard-earned Certificate in Basic Culinary Skills Course conducted by Shatec Institutes in recognition of their efforts in wanting to improve their skills and hope for a better life after their release.
The highlight of the event was the family bonding session which went on after the ceremony. Family members were touched to see their loved ones progressing on during incarceration as words of encouragement were exchanged.