Bargain Basement champions and beneficiaries posing for a group photo during the cheque presentation ceremony.

The spirit of sharing is caring is well exemplified by the Bargain Basement charity shop, an initiative by IOI Group’s charity arm IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng).

A total of RM200,000 of the shop’s nett proceeds were donated to various charities during a presentation ceremony in conjunction with the Christmas celebrations at IOI City Mall.

Among others, the donation will feed the hungry, teach orang asli and refugee children, buy schooling needs for poor students, as well as improve the lives of the old, ill and needy.

The 15 beneficiaries are Little Yellow Flower Education Foundation, Shepherd’s Centre Foundation Semenyih, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Thangam Illam, Stepping Stones Living Centre, Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia, Persatuan Rumah Kanak-Kanak Trinity Selangor, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim dan OKU Mesra Petaling Jaya, Home of Kan Ern, Autism Café Project Malaysia, Dignity for Children Foundation, Charwiki, Wisdom Club, Lighthouse Children Welfare Home Association, Arrow Harvest PLT and individual recipient Chang Jee Kee.

IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng) executive director and Bargain Basement founder Datin Joanne Wong said she was proud of the collective effort that engaged families, friends and the community in helping the needy.

She also shared the advantages of regular spring cleaning.

“Decluttering is a way of organising our lives. If you are not using or wearing the items, clear the clutter, regain your space and let someone else buy and use those items – all for a good cause.

“Our environment needs a circular economy,” she added.

Bargain Basement is a social enterprise that encourages the public to donate pre-loved or unused items, which are resold at their two outlets located in IOI City Mall Putrajaya and IOI Mall Puchong at low prices. Repeat donors and customers are called “Bargain Basement champions”.

All nett proceeds are then channelled to charities.

“Help us by being a Bargain Basement champion,” Wong said, adding that the initiative promoted kindness as well as the 3Rs, namely Reusing, Reducing and Recycling.

For details, visit www.bargainbasement.com.my/.