__13 December 2020 __

• Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation to receive $120,000 to fund music therapy programs for intensive care patients
• Auction runs online from 13 – 23 December
• Annual event has raised $1.2 million for charity since 2013

The annual Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction begins today with thousands of items going under the hammer to support sick children in Sydney hospitals.

This year, the airport has partnered with Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation to fund music therapy programs at both The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. The program supports patients in the neonatal and paediatric intensive care units to help improve the physical, mental and emotional states of young patients and their families.

Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert noted that this year’s auction will be different.

“It has been a turbulent year and despite COVID affecting the number of passengers coming through the airport, this is an event that is close to our hearts,” Mr Culbert said.

“This year you’ll find all the treasure you’d normally see in the auction. All the proceeds go to such an important cause and we are really proud to be partnering with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.”

CEO of the Foundation, Nicola Stokes, highlighted the importance of music therapy for patients.

“The paediatric and neonatal intensive units care for some of our most vulnerable patients. Music therapy plays an important role in helping health care givers bond and connect with children and their families, and provides comfort during times of stress. Research shows that the powerful effects of music can stabilise heart and breathing rates in young patients and help to keep them calm,” Ms Stokes said.

Pickles Department Manager Dale Richards said that Pickles looks forward to hosting the annual auction.

“It’s always surprising to see what ends up in the Sydney Airport auction each year. From a mini hoverboard to a refractor telescope, a ukulele to a midi keyboard and Cheech and Chong’s Wedding Album on vinyl. I’d love to know the story behind each item being left behind,” Mr Richards said.

“The auction is also filled with everyday items like laptops, cameras, perfumes and headphones. Everything starts at $1 and in last year’s auction about 40 items were sold for $1 including jewellery and toys, so it’s a great way to grab a bargain for Christmas.”

The Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction starts on Sunday, 13 December and runs until Wednesday, 23 December across 10 categories. Bidding opens at 9am on the day and finishes at 7pm the following day.

Visit the Pickles website to bid for good on this year’s auction.