The Purple Parade

Today would have been a highlight of my year.

I would have been joining #ThePurpleParade where thousands gather to support inclusion and celebrate the abilities of persons with disabilities.

2026 is the first time in 14 years the Parade did not take place. Postponed because of the haze. But our community’s safety comes first.

I recall our first Purple Parade at Hong Lim Park on 30 November 2013. A bunch of us volunteers chose Hong Lim deliberately — to make a statement for the cause.

We had no idea how many would turn up. We panicked when it started to rain (pour). Strangely enough, some 3,000 people came — some perhaps out of sympathy.

I remember volunteers holding umbrellas over our contingents as they marched in the rain. A beautiful, tear-welling sight I will never forget.

From those humble beginnings, something wonderful grew.

We outgrew Hong Lim Park. Suntec became our wonderful venue partner.

Yearly, some 15,000 gather at the marquee event. And another 35,000 — angels from schools, corporations, agencies — run Purple Parade campaigns where they are!

Between parades, Purple Parade trainings and awareness talks organised; a human library of digital stories came to life. New leaders like MP Rachel Ong, Yip Pin Xiu and several others came on board.

The Parade is now organised by some 30 representatives from the CDC, key disability groups, NCSS and SG Enable.

What started as a small volunteer effort has become a national movement for inclusion; thanks to many of you.

But there are more barriers to break. More abilities to celebrate. More hearts to change.

The Parade may be postponed to 2027. But our cause cannot be postponed.

Do something in your everyday life to support inclusion! Because a truly inclusive Singapore takes ALL of us.

For those of us who have a disability, stand tall and strive to become the best that God has made you to be!

Looking at the hazy and rainy skies today, I’m glad we made the call to not run Purple Parade today.

Someone Up There is watching over the cause, the disability community and Purple.

All is well.

(Photos from 2013.)