IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng), a charitable foundation set up by Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, the founder of property and palm oil conglomerate IOI Group, has pledged RM80,000 to purchase tote bags and socks from Persatuan Daybreak, a centre for the disabled in Perak.

Persatuan Daybreak has been providing vocational training for people with disabilities in Ipoh, teaching them the skills to make handicraft and socks.

Once equipped with skills the disabled trainees are then placed into permanent jobs in various industries.

“This is one example where we have found the products made by the disabled to be suitable, as we procure items for our foundation’s activities.

Companies are able to use their purchasing power to make a difference with various social enterprises who are ready to do business,” said the foundation’s executive director Datin Joanne Wong, adding that social enterprises play an important role in society, reinvesting their profits into their social mission.

“When businesses choose to buy from social enterprises, the acknowledgement from having considered social value in their supply chain is immense.

“Buying from social enterprises helps improve the lives and communities of those around them.

“At some stage of an organisation’s procurement, there is likely to be a social enterprise that can play a role,” she said.

For details on social enterprises, go to www.socialenterprise.my and www.hati.my