KUCHING: Someone once said, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure”.
This timeless saying perfectly encapsulates the mission of Hope Place’s budget stores or ‘Kedai Bajet’.
Whether it’s clothing, toys, household items and so forth, Hope Place’s budget stores sell one man’s junk to find its second home.
Team leader Susie Teo explained that the idea for the budget stores emerged from the overwhelming volume of donations received by Hope Place.
“Why we started is so that our clients can come and collect some clothes free of charge, and so it’s like one man’s treasure is another man’s junk.
“But the donations kept coming, and that’s when we decided to open Kedai Bajet. This way, even the public can find their own treasures at lower prices,” she said.
The initiative isn’t limited to preloved items, but also brand-new goods, donated by individuals and businesses.
“When we talk about preloved, we don’t mean broken or torn items. These are things that are still in good condition—things someone else can love and use.
“And many times, we receive brand-new items too,” she said during an interview with Sarawak Tribune.
Every purchase at the Kedai Bajet serves a greater purpose as all proceeds go directly to Hope Place to fund essential supplies for the families under their care such as rice, cooking oil, and diapers.
“At the end of the day, all the money from here will be given to Hope Place for the purchase of basic necessities for our clients,” she said.
Before items are placed on the shelves, they go through a screening and sorting process to ensure that everything sold at Kedai Bajet meets a standard of quality and can be enjoyed by its next owner.
“We don’t just accept donations and put them up for sale immediately.
“Our volunteer team carefully screens and sorts the items to ensure they’re suitable. This happens every Friday, and anyone from the public is welcome to help,” she said.
Therefore, she hopes and encourages more public to come and volunteer to sort and screen the items.
“We encourage anyone interested to join us. It’s as simple as walking in or contacting us. Just drop by on Fridays between 9 am and 4 pm, and we’ll be happy to have you,” she encouraged.
Currently, Hope Place budget stores are located at TT3 Commercial Centre and Mile 12 with plans for a third store soon.
“Do come and support our kedai bajet or even be a part by volunteering,” she said.
From clothing and toys to household items, the Kedai Bajet initiative aims to make essential goods accessible at affordable prices.
At the heart of it all is Hope Place, a charitable organisation here dedicated to uplifting the lives of families in need.
For more information, the interested public can visit Hope Place Kedai Bajet on Instagram or Facebook.
