Commentary: Thoughtful tech applications can help charities reach those in need even with COVID-19 restrictions

Their QR code is scanned every time they acquire meals rations from the neighborhood store or after they obtain meals packs.

The introduction of a QR code has helped the charity higher plan their stock and develop insights into assortment patterns and consumption charges, guaranteeing related meals gadgets can be found for his or her beneficiaries on the proper time. The undeniable fact that they solely need a card and would not have to hold a telephone is a large boon to many aged people.

Before this, FFTH relied solely on its volunteers for details about their beneficiaries’ wants.

Another charity that operates a 24-hour disaster intervention hotline makes use of synthetic intelligence to “triage” their textual content messaging service.

Through a series of important questions, a chatbot prioritises and guides callers by way of the service.

From the phrases and emojis callers use, the know-how algorithmically directs sure callers to expert volunteers. Those who categorical an intention to hurt themselves in a textual content message are promptly directed to the volunteer who can help them.

Every name is vital however the chatbot perform separates non-crisis conditions from those warranting quick consideration. The textual content service goals to scale back time to escalate calls – a treasured useful resource for individuals in misery.

Yet one other instance is Touch Senior Activity Centre which partnered with Artify Studio in 2020 in the course of the pandemic to show seniors the right way to paint by way of WhatsApp video-conferencing.

Employees on the senior exercise centre instructed seniors to flip on the digital camera in their smartphones and connect with digital artwork periods carried out by volunteer artists from Artify Studio utilizing WhatsApp.

Technology glad each the innate need for interplay whereas the programme incentivised seniors to develop into extra digitally savvy.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION DOESN’T REQUIRE DEEP POCKETS

One fable is that digitalisation is pricey and can add pointless prices. The annual working price range of FFTH is about S$2.5 million. As a charity, FFTH operates with 22 workers and doesn't have a chief know-how officer on their payroll.

Digitalisation for FFTH started with figuring out the ache factors and differentiating between wants and needs.