2016, 10 September — 90 Soka Volunteer Group (SVG) members and new friends gathered at Bayfront event space for the Orange Ribbon Run, Singapore’s only Race Against Racism.
Organised by OnePeople.sg, the Orange Ribbon Run: Race Against Racism aims to promote understanding, appreciation and trust among Singapore’s multi-cultural and multi-religious society. Deputy Prime Minister & Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the guest-of-honour of the event and in his speech he said, “Multiracialism matters more to Singapore than anything else. We have to protect it, love it and deepen it in the next 50 years.”
This is the first time SVG is partnering OnePeople.sg for this meaningful event that promotes peaceful and harmonious coexistence among our multi-racial and multi-cultural community, a cause that SSA holds close to our heart.Decked in the orange and white event t-shirt, the SVG members took on volunteering roles as route marshals and water point volunteers, together with other public volunteers. Amid the post rain breezy weather, the positive can-do spirit of the SVG volunteers (kudos to the senior volunteers who stood for 7-hours) were contagious! At the water points, besides preparing and handing out cups of waters to the runners, the volunteers cheered on the runners, encouraging them to press on and to complete the race.
Before the start of the race and in between the busy periods, the volunteers enjoyed good conversations and made friends with the public volunteers. They also didn’t forget to capture the day’s memories through photos!
With the heart of serving with joy and expanding lives together, the volunteers embodied SVG’s values of with Compassion, Consideration and Commitment. Three cheers to them for contributing their precious time on a weekend in a meaningful activity, doing their part in celebrating harmony through the spirit of friendship, respect, trust and understanding.
About Orange Ribbon Run: Race Against Racism
Orange Ribbon Celebrations is a ground up movement to promote racial and religious harmony. Since the 1990s, the Orange Ribbon has been adopted by countries and groups of individuals as the symbol of harmony, equality and freedom. In Singapore, the Orange Ribbon is adopted as a symbol of respect, understanding, trust and friendship.
The Orange Ribbon Run is a signature event and focal point to promote understanding, appreciation and trust among Singapore’s multi-cultural and multi-religious society. The Orange Ribbon Run is gaining momentum as a people’s movement.
Being Singapore’s only Run against Racism, Singaporeans are called on to come together and make a stand. The Orange Ribbon Run provides an excellent avenue for the silent majority to speak up and show support for the cause.
