While the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run will not be held this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still folks across the island spreading its message of renewal and redemption.

Take, for instance, private-hire car driver Isam Sulong, who spent almost eight years behind bars for drug-related offences before being released in 2014.

Mr Isam, 50, took part in his first Yellow Ribbon Prison Run last year, and now spreads the message through his own means and volunteer work with the Yellow Ribbon Community Project (YRCP) Woodlands division.

Mr Isam also gave motivational talks and guitar lessons for beneficiaries with the YRCP division before the pandemic struck.

The annual run, which attracted 10,000 participants last year, is part of the Yellow Ribbon Project (YRP) efforts to spread the message of second chances and hope for former offenders and their families.

Mr Jabez Koh, 45, had been looking forward to the event to catch up with some friends.

Mr Koh, who was sentenced to 24 years’ jail in 1997 for drug-related offences, has taken part in every run since being released on remission in February 2013.

He had also encouraged staff and their families from his transport and logistics company Infinite Transports to participate.

Mr Koh’s company has helped distribute 150 YRP care packages and supermarket vouchers to households affected by the pandemic.

A YRP spokesman said that many supporters have stepped forward to provide welfare-related assistance and other support needed to inmates, former offenders and their families, as well as others affected by COVID-19.

The Yellow Ribbon Fund is preparing to hold online fund-raising events like an auction of artworks created by inmates and items donated by the fund’s partners.

The proceeds will support former offenders and their families.

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Source: The Straits Times, 4 August 2020