• Proceeds to benefit Conservation Volunteers Australia, The Clontarf Foundation, The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation and Lifeline Australia
• Sydney Airport thanks the public for their support and generosity

Sydney Airport’s 2016 Lost Property Auction has raised over $200,000 for charity, with the funds to be distributed to Conservation Volunteers Australia, The Clontarf Foundation, The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation and Lifeline Australia.

“We’re thrilled to have raised over $200,000 to be shared among four worthy charities focusing on the environment, health, education and families in need,” Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

“Our Lost Property Auction is always incredibly popular with the public and this year was no different.

“We’d like to thank the public for their contribution to this great result, which we couldn’t have achieved without their enthusiasm and support.”

The four charity recipients thanked Sydney Airport for the opportunity to be part of the auction and said the funds raised would go towards a range of important initiatives.

Conservation Volunteers Australia Chief Executive Officer Colin Jackson said the organisation was appreciative of Sydney Airport’s ongoing support.

“Money raised from this event will support rehabilitating and restoring coastal areas along La Perouse, part of Botany Bay National Park,” Mr Jackson said.

“With dunes being vital in protecting the coastline, the focus of this restoration project is to re- establish the dunes’ native vegetation, providing a suitable habitat to many species and improving the health of the dunes.

“This contribution will allow us to dedicate teams of local volunteers to carry out this critical hands-on conservation work.”

Clontarf Foundation General Manager – Partnerships & Communications Shane Kieley said the funds raised would make a real difference to people’s lives.

“This kind support will directly allow 24 young Indigenous boys from regional NSW to participate in a vast range of rich, experiential learning activities at our Endeavour Clontarf Academy in Caringbah over the next two years,” Mr Kieley said.

“In the process, their educational, employment, health and overall life outcomes will improve significantly.”

Kookaburra Kids Chief Executive Officer Pamela Brown welcomed Sydney Airport’s support.

“Kookaburra Kids is very excited to continue to be able to expand the delivery of our program to children who live with families affected by mental illness, thanks to the proceeds of Sydney Airport’s Lost Property Auction,” Ms Brown said.

“The Kookaburra Kids program provides early intervention, recreational and educational camps and school holiday activities, giving kids a break in a fun, positive and safe environment.

“In addition to continuing our core camp program, this funding will enable us to investigate further opportunities for activity days and expansion of the program to reach more children.

“It’s amazing to think that the concept of unclaimed items left behind at the Airport can be of benefit to charity organisations in need. Kookaburra Kids is very grateful for the support and significant difference that Sydney Airport has and continues to provide to our foundation.

“We are proud of the partnership between Kookaburra Kids and Sydney Airport and look forward to continuing this relationship for the benefit of our kids.”

Lifeline Australia CEO Pete Shmigel welcomed the result.

“The Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction is making an important contribution to establishing Australia’s first text-based crisis service,” Mr Shmigel said.

“The charity auction funds are helping us tackle Australia’s suicide emergency by ensuring help is available, simply and accessibly, across modern communication.”

Pickles Lost Property Auction Sales Executive Matt Blunden said the auction saw more than 5000 items sold online during the auction period.

“We’re proud to partner with Sydney Airport for the fifth consecutive year to deliver this fantastic auction in support of local charities,” Mr Blunden said.

“So many people viewed the auction items online or in person before bidding kicked off, and we were delighted to see every item was sold.

“Jewellery and electronics were the most popular items, with hundreds of bids placed on rings, necklaces, ipads and tablets.”

The Lost Property Auction ran online from 11 to 20 October 2016, with around 5000 unclaimed items sold across categories including electronics, cosmetics, jewellery, clothing and accessories.

The auction also featured unique items such as a remote control helicopter, drill, violin, microwave, telescope and mountain bike.

A collection of five assorted men’s watches was the most expensive item, with a closing bid of $2350.

Sydney Airport is committed to supporting the community, investing $2.6 million in charitable and community initiatives last year.

Items left at the airport are logged into a system and stored at the airport for two months to give owners the opportunity to claim their goods. Where items are clearly labelled, Sydney Airport endeavours to reunite them with their owners. For items that remain unclaimed, Sydney Airport holds a lost property auction every 12 months, with all proceeds going to charity.