SINGAPORE - A group of about 40 elderly beneficiaries and caregivers from Reach Community Services Society attended a lo hei lunch at the Istana on Monday (Feb 15).

The social welfare group is a beneficiary under the President's Challenge and the lunch was hosted by President Tony Tan and Mrs Mary Tan.

The labour movement's U Live Ukulele Performing Group performed a popular love song, The Moon Represents My Heart. Eight students from National University of Singapore Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music also performed Chinese songs for the audience.

Ms Chong Kwee Eng, a 69-year-old beneficiary who goes to the senior centre at Jalan Membina to exercise every morning, said: "I feel very honoured to be given a chance to toss lo hei with the President. This is a going to be a very good year for me. I have never been to the Istana. It's a beautiful place."

Chief executive of Reach Community Services Society Ho Siew Cheong revealed that the senior centre at Jalan Membina will be opened officially on Friday (Feb 19).

The centre, which started its operations last November, can accommodate 50 seniors at any time and provides programmes and services such as craft work, exercises and karaoke.