7,000 turn up at Tote Board charity event

Singaporeans reminisced over traditional games like capteh, five stones and tic-tac-toe at the Tote Board Family's carnival yesterday.

About 7,000 people, consisting mainly of families, young children and the elderly, from all walks of life took part in the event.

The event, from 5pm to 9pm at the Singapore Racecourse at Kranji, celebrated Singapore's 50th birthday.

It was organised by the Tote Board Family, a grant-making organisation comprising Tote Board, Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club.

Mr Yong Fook Chyi, director (corporate services) of Tote Board, said: "This event presents an effective platform for the staff of Tote Board Family to perform corporate social responsibility.

"(It's an opportunity for them) to host and accompany beneficiaries to enjoy the carnival activities, to have a good time and to celebrate Singapore's 50th birthday with the Tote Board Family."

The carnival also featured performances by getai and xinyao singers like Lin Ru Ping and Hao Hao, a special appearance by Jaspers Lai and Hanrey Low of Ah Boys to Men and multicultural dance performances.

About 450 beneficiaries from 24 charity and community groups Tote Board Family supports also attended the carnival.

Voluntary welfare organisations and non-governmental organisations including Assisi Hospice, senior volunteers group RSVP Singapore, Down Syndrome Association and Singapore Children's Society were also part of a charity bazaar, selling works of art and handicrafts.

The proceeds will go towards social causes, said a spokesman for the event.

"Over the last 10 years, the Tote Board Family has donated more than $5.7 billion to help uplift lives and enhance the quality of living of Singaporeans," said Mr Yong.

This article was first published on June 5, 2015.
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