Seniors get techy with augmented reality

Non-profit organisation celebrates its 55th anniversary with a day of fun, games and digital learning

- ILYAS SALIM

Madam Kok Poh Yoke, 77, looked gleeful as she showed off a pink balloon bracelet that she got from one of the booths at a recent carnival.

She was one of 300 beneficiaries from 14 social service agencies who took part in the Singapore Pools' Community Day 2023 last Tuesday (May 9) at Gardens by the Bay.

The event, which kicked off the organisation's 55th anniversary celebrations, was an extension of its giving efforts and commitment to uplifting disadvantaged communities.

"I very much enjoy events like this," Madam Kok, from Chinatown Active Ageing Centre, said, adding that they encourage her to be active outdoors. She was eager to visit the other activity stations at the carnival.

Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo was the event's guest of honour.

Themed game booths and food kiosks dotted the Gardens' Supertree Grove area for the day.

Attendees could test their aim in archery at the shooting gallery, and in flinging hilariously turdshaped projectiles in a game called "Potty Toss".

But the beneficiaries were not the only ones who had fun.

For the occasion, Singapore Pools closed its branches across the island from 8 am to 3 pm, so its employees could volunteer at the event.

This meant that 400 of the organisation's employees could engage with the beneficiaries, and help them take part in one of the event's highlights - an augmented reality (AR) trail.