• Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction for charity to be held online in October
• Proceeds will benefit Conservation Volunteers Australia, The Clontarf Foundation, The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation and Lifeline Australia
• Public encouraged to get involved and make a bid to support their favourite charity

Sydney Airport today announced the four charity partners which will receive proceeds from the airport’s annual Lost Property Auction for charity commencing on Tuesday, 11 October.

Conservation Volunteers Australia, The Clontarf Foundation, The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation and Lifeline Australia will share the proceeds of the online auction featuring everything from electronics to jewellery.

“With more than 40 million passengers a year, many items are left behind at Sydney Airport. Thankfully, many people are reunited with their items, but for those that remain unclaimed, we hold an annual auction for charity,” Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

“Last year, we raised a record $234,000 and we’re hoping for another strong year of fundraising in support of these worthy causes.”

The four selected charities welcomed the announcement and called on the public to get involved in the auction.

Conservation Volunteers Australia Chief Executive Officer Colin Jackson said the Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction proceeds will fund local environmental projects near the airport.

“Through the generosity of Sydney Airport, Conservation Volunteers Australia will be able to dedicate teams of local volunteers to rehabilitate and restore coastal areas along La Perouse, part of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. The focus of the restoration project is to re-establish the dunes’ native vegetation. Sand dunes are vital in protecting the coastline. Not only do they provide a suitable habitat to many species, but they also act as a buffer against significant weather events.

“Conservation Volunteers Australia is very thankful for Sydney Airport’s ongoing support of our projects, allowing us to inspire and engage volunteers in critical hands-on conservation work,” Mr Jackson said.

Clontarf Foundation Chief Executive Officer Gerard Neesham said the funds will help to make a difference to the lives of Indigenous boys by equipping them with education and leadership skills.

“The Clontarf Foundation is thrilled to have Sydney Airport join us on our journey in making a genuine difference in improving the life outcome of thousands of young Indigenous boys, their families and communities across the country. This generous financial support will directly assist our Endeavour Clontarf Academy in Caringbah which currently supports 60 Indigenous students from both the local area and regional NSW, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, however are now looking forward to bright futures,” Mr Neesham said.

The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation Chief Executive Officer Pam Brown said the organisation has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Sydney Airport.

“The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation supports kids living in families affected by mental illness. We provide recreational, educational camps and other activity days, giving kids a break in a fun, positive and safe environment. It’s great that we can continue to help kids with the support of the Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction for charity,” Ms Brown said.

Lifeline Australia Chief Executive Officer Pete Shmigel said the auction proceeds will support Lifeline’s much needed new text service.

“The Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction for charity is a fantastic initiative. By partnering with Lifeline, Sydney Airport will be instrumental in starting a national conversation, not only across their business internally but also with their own networks about suicide prevention. Programs like this build community resilience and encourage positive, proactive behaviours. These conversations are essential as we face a national emergency with suicide,” Mr Shmigel said.

The Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction for charity will be held from Tuesday, 11 October to Thursday, 20 October in unreserved lots starting from $1. A processing fee of 16.5 per cent is payable to Pickles in addition to the hammer price on all lots.

Media and the public will be invited to view the items on sale prior to the auction. The media viewing day will be held from 9am to 12pm on Friday, 7 October and the public viewing day will be held from 8am to 4.30pm on Monday, 10 October.

For more information visit www.pickles.com.au