The Orange Ribbon has been adopted by countries and groups of individuals as the symbol of harmony, equality, freedom and universal brotherhood. The United Nations adopts the Orange Ribbon to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In Australia, the Orange Ribbon is the symbol for the Living in Harmony programme, which promotes multiculturalism and cultural diversity throughout the country.
The Orange Ribbon Celebrations (ORC) in Singapore was initiated by the Central Singapore District in 2006. The month-long celebrations in July promoted the understanding and appreciation of Singapore’s rich ethnic and cultural heritage to residents.
The success of the Central Singapore District Orange Ribbon Celebrations (ORC) prompted the PA’s Deputy Chairman, Mr Lim Boon Heng, to moot the idea of a national-level racial harmony celebration.
In 2008, the Orange Ribbon Celebrations (ORC) was launched as a national initiative spearheaded by OnePeople.sg, together with the 5 Community Development Councils (CDCs), Self-Help Groups and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and Ministry of Education (MOE).
The theme chosen for 2011 is “HOME: Joint Hopes, Shared Memories”. The theme centres around our hopes and aspirations for the future and recollections of our shared past. It is about creating an identity and an anchor for our thoughts and feelings on Singapore as HOME. It is hoped that the Orange Ribbon Celebrations (ORC) will bring our diverse communities together in appreciation, understanding and trust.
Highlights of ORC 2011
The Orange Ribbon pin comprising a band at the heart of its design symbolizes unity and the interwoven values of respect, understanding and trust that underpin racial and religious harmony. The ribbons are sold at cost price of $0.40 cents each. It should be worn to show support for racial and religious harmony. We encourage you to support the Orange Ribbon drive.
The “What’s Your Story?” online photo blurb competition is a key feature of the Orange Ribbon Celebrations (ORC) . The competition, launched in May, aims to motivate our community to share stories of cross-cultural ties in line with the theme of this year’s Orange Ribbon Celebrations (ORC) , “Home: Joint Hopes, Shared Memories”. Winners will receive their prizes at the Orange Ribbon Celebrations (ORC) Finale in July. We would like to encourage as many residents to participate in this initiative competition and share with us what makes Singapore, a great multicultural HOME. Please visit our portal at www.whatsyourstory.com.sg/onepeople and share your stories!
Click on the images below to have a larger view of the events.
