The annual Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction has begun, with thousands of items going under the hammer to raise money to help vulnerable members of the local community.
The annual event, which this year runs from August 19-28, auctions off unclaimed items left in the airport’s terminals, in partnership with Sydney Community Foundation. Funds raised go toward grants supporting organizations that make a difference in the local community.
Marrickville Legal Centre, a not-for-profit community legal team, will receive an A$100,000 (US$60,660) grant from this year’s auction, to fund a financial empowerment project. The program will provide at-risk women with the skills and confidence to identify financial abuse early and seek assistance.
Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert called on the community to get involved and bid in this year’s auction.
“The annual Lost Property Auction really changes lives in our local community and it’s an initiative that I’m really proud of,” Culbert said. “I’m always surprised by the treasure unearthed each year from the auction, although, in this case, one person’s treasure is another person’s path to empowerment.
CEO of Sydney Community Foundation Jane Jose said that partnering with Sydney Airport has benefitted many philanthropic programs in the airport’s local community.
“This is a fun and purposeful collective giving partnership of Sydney Airport, Sydney Community Foundation and the community, delivering benefits to grassroots organizations helping people in our city,” she added.
“The need in our community is growing and we thank the many community leaders for their work and for submitting almost 100 applications for projects local to the airport.”
