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THRIFT shops are a great way to find bargains, but it’s more meaningful to know that the proceeds of sales are being used to fund activities that help out those who are less fortunate.
Bargain Basement, the social enterprise created under the arm of IOI Group’s foundation – IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng) does just that.
In the Christmas spirit of benevolence and giving, RM260,000 from the charity stores’ proceeds were donated to various beneficiaries.
Among them are organisations that provide care and support for the elderly and orphans, as well as those with disabilities and Alzheimer’s disease.
The 14 beneficiaries are Pusat Jagaan dan Rawatan Orang Tua Al-Ikhlas, Dual Blessing Bhd, Shelter Home for Children, Malaysia Lotus Charity Care Centre Association, PAWS Animal Welfare Society, Ti-Ratana Welfare Society Malaysia, Dignity For Children Foundation, Rumah Orang Tua Chok Lam, Pusat Jagaan Sejati, Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM), Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kristian Aman, SJK (C) Chen Moh, Sin Chew Foundation and Star Foundation.
Bargain Basement has given out more than RM526,000 to various charities to date.
IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng) executive director Datin Joanne Wong, who presented the proceeds with IOI group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Lee Yeow Chor, said this year’s beneficiaries were selected by repeat donors and customers.
“This year, we allowed our generous supporters to pick a charity, which is why we have a wide range of beneficiaries that also includes an animal shelter,” said Wong.
“All the selected welfare homes have people who are very hands-on.
“When it comes to managing their establishment, they do it very well, which is why we will donate to them again in the future.
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“It is heart-warming to know that this meaningful initiative, which encourages people to declutter their homes, not only benefits the community with access to quality items at low prices, but also contributes to charity.
“I hope that our donation brings some extra comfort to the residents.
“Many of the homes need a lot for their expenses and facilities,” she said during the ceremony at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya.
With three Bargain Basement stores currently operating (at IOI City Mall, IOI Mall Puchong and at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Kampar Campus), Wong has plans for another branch.
Dual Blessing chief executive officer Lynn Yew said the proceeds from Bargain Basement would help to cover the charity’s operating expenses and ease the pressure of relying solely on its own businesses.
“We were all affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as donations and visitors became fewer.
“Our recycling business, which was our main source of income, was not able to operate until Oct 1.”
Meanwhile, Star Media Group corporate communication and social impact manager Selina Ng received a portion of the proceeds on behalf of Star Foundation.
“Bargain Basement’s model is a very enterprising one, especially in the way it brings about a two-prong benefit to low-income consumers and charitable organisations.
“Star Foundation is most honoured to receive this donation from it and IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng). This speaks volumes of the trust from our corporate partners in our foundation’s work in serving the needy.
“In unprecedented challenging times like these, it takes a collective effort to bring about meaningful change.
“We welcome contributions and collaborations so that we can reach out to even more people,” Ng added.
Star Foundation is the charity arm of the Star Media Group and aims to support impactful initiatives to help a diverse group of beneficiaries. Since its inception in 2004, the foundation has contributed over RM20.4mil to more than 300 NGOs and various causes.