On 6 December 2016, a total of 35 children from Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Cornerstone, Selangor and Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Lagenda enjoyed a very merry Christmas at IOI City Mall (ICM) courtesy of IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng) and ICM as part of IOI Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in celebrating this festive season.

The children, ranging from five to 19 years old, arrived with their caregivers at 9:00 am eagerly anticipating the activities in store for them. IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng) Executive Director Datin Joanne Wong warmly welcomed the children at District21, a first of its kind, apocalypse 70,000 sq ft indoor action adventure park located within the mall. After a safety briefing by District21’s personnel, the children gamely tackled various challenges such as Go Pedal, Low Ropes, The Maze, Launch Pad and Tubby Ride.

Then the children proceeded to a party room for a hearty lunch while being accompanied by two balloonists who entertained the kids with various shapes of interesting balloons such as guns, lollipops, flowers and even dinosaurs!

Later, the children and caretakers were invited to the Lower Ground Centre Court of ICM to witness a philanthropic gesture of cheque presentation by Bargain Basement, a community initiative of IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng). Datin Joanne Wong was invited on stage to spread love and joy this festive season by contributing Bargain Basement’s nett proceeds of RM50,000 to five beneficiaries, namely Rumah Shalom, Yayasan Seribu Harapan Malaysia, Pertubuhan Anak Yatim Darul Aminan, Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-kanak Cornerstone, Selangor and Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Lagenda in a cheque presentation in line with its “give to inspire others to give” motto. Each home was given RM10,000. Goodie bags filled with Christmas gifts including school bags, snacks, drinks and various joyful items were also distributed to the two homes by Datin Joanne and Complex General Manager Mr Chris Chong.

Since its opening at ICM on 1 June 2016, Bargain Basement has gained popularity among generous donors and has become a delight among budget conscious buyers. After just five months of operations, Bargain Basement has raised RM50,000 in a community effort to provide low priced items for the underprivileged as well as being a sustainable long-term fundraiser. Datin Joanne said, “Besides helping to remove clutter at home, this initiative also benefits the environment as the goods are used by someone else instead of being dumped in a landfill.”

The day ended on a joyful note as representatives of the beneficiaries and invited guests explored Bargain Basement while the children continued their day of fun at District21.