Bargain Basement, the social enterprise of IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng), contributed RM400,000 of its net proceeds to 18 beneficiaries. The corporate social responsibility initiative marked a significant milestone of nearly RM1,000,000 in Bargain Basement’s total donation to various beneficiaries since its inception in 2016.

The event uniquely showcased the personal involvement of the founder of Bargain Basement and Executive Director of IOI Foundation, Datin Joanne Wong and her Bargain Basement champions, who are donors and customers of the social enterprise. They were encouraged to nominate deserving recipients of the philanthropic gesture, and invited to personally present the allocated proceeds to their chosen beneficiaries during a presentation ceremony at IOI City Mall on 5 December 2023.

The 18 recipients were Cherishlife Home, Epic Homes, Hospis Malaysia, Lifecare Community Services, Malaysian Association of Paediatric Palliative Care (MAPPAC), PAWS Animal Welfare Society, Persatuan Daybreak, Pertubuhan Amal Uncle Kentang Malaysia, Pusat Jagaan Al-Fikrah Malaysia, Rumah Charis, Sisters in Islam, SJK (C) Chen Moh, SJK (C) Tshing Nian, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped (SSMH), The Edge Education Foundation, The Lost Food Project, and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).

Driven by the vision to declutter and to give used items a second life, Datin Joanne had initiated Bargain Basement at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya in 2016, followed by the second shop at IOI Mall, Puchong in 2017. Bargain Basement has since thrived and two other shops have been opened at UTAR, which are currently operated by the UTAR students within the university campuses.

Datin Joanne believes that Bargain Basement is not only a platform that serves as a form of aid to the community especially in times of great economic challenges, but a good source of purpose for the environment. She said: “Our stores are also a sustainable form of aid to the environment as we inculcate the culture of recycling, reusing, and in many cases, repairing the items that we receive.”

Bargain Basement has been making a positive impact with its sustainable concept of selling pre-owned items, which are in a new or used condition, at affordable prices. The net proceeds are then utilised to support local charities. The corporate social responsibility initiative has led Bargain Basement to achieve a total of RM928,468 proceeds, which have been channelled to 50 beneficiaries, consisting of schools, animal shelters, orphanages, old folk homes, medical facilities, and various non-profit organisations.