Bargain Basement is proud of being able to lend a hand to 15 beneficiaries and hopes to engage the public for many years to come

PUTRAJAYA, 12 December 2018 – Bargain Basement, an initiative by IOI Group’s foundation, IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng), has recently given out RM200,000 of its net proceeds to various charities in a presentation ceremony in celebration of the Christmas season at IOI City Mall.

IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng) Executive Director and Bargain Basement founder Datin Joanne Wong, together with her Bargain Basement champions and 15 beneficiaries, exchanged cheques and gifts, aiding various charities such as helping students to purchase their stationery and uniform supplies for the coming school year, helping the old and ill and those with dementia, children with special needs, helping refugees in their education, teaching living skills to the orang asli community and providing food supplies to the hungry.

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, Mr Chang Jee Kee, Wisdom Club, Lighthouse Children Welfare Home Association and Arrow Harvest PLT.

Some of the guests who graced the presentation ceremony were (from left) Mrs Sylvia Gan, Datin Jamilah Ang, Puan Sri Cecilia Lim, Datin Joanne Wong, Puan Sri Wendy Ong, Datuk Dr Yim (Hon. Chairman of the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia), Datin Kathleen Chew, Ms Sue Quek (founder of Wisdom Club), Mrs Janet Ang and Puan Sri Amy Ter.

Research has shown that up to 50% of our household items remain unused and are a source of clutter in our homes. It is a noble idea to extend the usability and lifecycle of those products by clearing and donating them for a good cause.

Bargain Basement is an innovative social enterprise that encourages the public to donate pre-loved or unused items. Ranging from clothing to household items and bulky items, these are then resold at Bargain Basement’s two outlets at low prices. Repeat donors and customers are called “Bargain Basement champions”. All net proceeds are then channelled to different charities by or to these champions for the causes that are close to their hearts.

Shopping for a great cause. Bargain Basement is run by IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng), providing an arrangement for pre-loved items to be resold and converted into money for charity.

“We are very proud of our efforts in helping the needy, and we hope to do more by engaging our family, friends and the public in championing this worthy cause,” said Datin Joanne. She further elaborated on the topic of regular spring cleaning: “Decluttering is a way of organising our lives. If you are not using or wearing those items, clear the clutter, regain your space and let someone else buy and utilise those items – all for a good cause. Our environment needs a circular economy.”

Spring cleaning for a good cause. Puan Sri Cecilia Lim (left) donating her pre-loved items to Bargain Basement founder Datin Joanne Wong (right) and witnessed by Puan Sri Wendy Ong (centre).

Besides promoting the 3Rs which are Reusing, Reducing and Recycling, it is a worthy effort from the public’s conscientious point of view to help the needy. “Help us by being a Bargain Basement champion!” she adds.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Buying pre-loved items is rewarding and value for money. The guests had the satisfaction of exploring an assortment of unique items.

Last year, Bargain Basement opened its second branch at IOI Mall Puchong, following its first shop at IOI City Mall Putrajaya which opened in June 2015.

For more information, please visit: http://www.bargainbasement.com.my/