• Around 5,000 unclaimed items to be auctioned online for charity
• Proceeds to benefit Conservation Volunteers Australia, The Clontarf Foundation, The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation and Lifeline Australia
• Auctions run online from 11 to 20 October, with a public viewing day on 10 October

Sydney Airport’s annual Lost Property Auction for charity kicks off next week, with nine online auctions to be held from Tuesday, 11 to Thursday, 20 October.

“With over 40 million passengers travelling through Sydney Airport each year, things invariably get left behind. Although we make every effort to reunite passengers with their lost items, many remain unclaimed,” Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

“Our annual Lost Property Auction provides an opportunity for people from around Australia to go online, find some interesting items and make a bid to support a worthy cause.

“This year, we have around 5,000 items on sale. Some of the weird and wonderful things people have left at the airport include a drill, glass table, microwave, mountain bike, pram, telescope and tools.

“Last year, we raised a record $234,000 for charity and we’re hoping this year’s auction will be bigger and better than ever.”

Pickles Auctions Director, Industrial Bruce Connors said the company was pleased to partner with Sydney Airport for its annual Lost Property Auction for charity.

“At Pickles, we host over 150 auctions on site and online every month, and the Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction for charity definitely stands out,” Mr Connors said.

“It is such a unique auction, with so many special and valuable items for sale, including some that are brand new.

“In this auction, you’ll find everything from a remote control helicopter to designer clothing, surfboards and even a violin!

“This is a great chance for anyone to grab a bargain and support a number of worthy charities.”

Sydney Airport is committed to supporting the community and proceeds from the auction will be distributed to four charities:

Conservation Volunteers Australia; The Clontarf Foundation; The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation; and Lifeline Australia. The selected charities have called on the public to bid on items to contribute to their important initiatives.

Media and the public are invited to view the items on sale prior to the auction, at Pickles Auctions, 20-21 Woorang Street Milperra.

The media viewing day will be held from 9am to 12pm today for photo, filming and interview opportunities.

The public viewing day will be held from 8am to 4.30pm on Monday, 10 October for the public to inspect and test the items on sale.

Interesting items will also be featured on Sydney Airport’s social media channels in the lead up to the auction.

All items will be sold 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.

For more information and to make a bid visit www.pickles.com.au

AUCTION DETAILS (all run from 9am to 9pm the following day)

Auction 1 – Tuesday, 11 and Wednesday, 12 October Cameras, headphones, games, electrical

Auction 2 – Wednesday, 12 and Thursday, 13 October iPhones, smartphones, iPods

Auction 3 – Thursday, 13 and Friday, 14 October iPads, tablets, laptops, IT

Auction 4 – Friday, 14 and Saturday, 15 October Perfume, cosmetics, health products

Auction 5 – Saturday, 15 and Sunday, 16 October Jewellery

Auction 6 – Sunday, 16 and Monday, 17 October Miscellaneous: artwork, homewares, toys, sporting goods, musical instruments, tools

Auction 7 – Monday, 17 and Tuesday, 18 October Alcohol, cigarettes

Auction 8 – Tuesday, 18 and Wednesday, 19 October Sunglasses, footwear, hats, accessories

Auction 9 – Wednesday, 19 and Thursday, 20 October Clothing