The 107-year-old Mun San Fook Tuck Chee Taoist temple in Sims Drive spent more than $10,000 on the event. It was the first time the temple had organised a charity event on this scale, said its chairman, Mr Chin Sook Sian.

However, it was not limited to people of any race or religion, but rather, it was a hearty get-together for folk aged 65 and above and the handicapped.

Mr Chin said: 'This is a multiracial society. The temple does not want to provide for just the Chinese.'

Many at the lunch were delighted with the hongbao and food items. Said Mr Chong Kong Chong, 77, who depends on the $290 he gets monthly from social assistance: 'I've not been working for four years, so any money that comes my way, no matter how small, helps me to save up.'

Joining the celebrations was wheelchair-bound Mr Jamil Abdullah, 50, who was glad of the 'extra money'.

'My workmen's compensation is going to dry up, so any amount will help,' he said.

JESSICA JAGANATHAN