SINGAPORE — Society has grown more accepting of ex-offenders over the years, but more must be done to reduce the prejudice and stigma faced by this group, Superintendent of Prisons Chan Ching Ching said at the annual Yellow Ribbon Prison Run.

Their rehabilitation process remains a challenge, and this has also been identified as an area where people must open their hearts and minds, to help ex-offenders reintegrate into society.

“We have friends or neighbours who are ex-offenders. We don’t look at them with a tinted glass. That’s one small step on our part, but I think the ex-offenders will appreciate it,” said Superintendent Chan, the second vice-chairperson of the run’s organising committee.

“To change the way they behave, they think, and sometimes even their whole life, isn’t easy. So as much as we can help them, we help them. Some of them need more than a second chance.”

Over 7,000 participants took part in the ninth edition of the run yesterday, raising more than S$123,500 for the Yellow Ribbon Fund.

Proceeds go towards supporting ex-offenders in further studies and providing those lacking family support with start-up funds upon their release from prison. Last year’s run had more than 9,000 participants, raising a similar amount to this year’s total.

When asked about the lower turnout, Superintendent Chan said: “Over the years, the numbers average to around 7,000 ... Participation numbers may have seem to have dropped to 7,000, but there are still many people coming to support the cause.”

Over the past nine years, some 72,700 participants have collectively raised about S$921,500 for the cause.

In a brief address to the runners at Changi Prison Complex, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said: “We must open up our hearts, reach out to (ex-offenders) and also help them, in whatever ways we can, to feel back at home in the community.

“We want our citizens, our people, even if they’ve had some difficulties in the past, to be able to have a chance to come back and make something of their lives. Once again, I’d like to encourage all of you to continue giving your support for ex-offenders.”

In a first at the event, over 300 black armbands with a red cross were given to participants trained in first aid. This allowed them to be easily identified in a crowd, should first-aid services be required urgently.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is piloting this additional measure to improve safety at mass sporting events.