Sydney Airport, Australia, has named local charity Cana Communities as the recipient of a A$100,000 (US$72,000) grant using proceeds from the airport’s annual Bid for Good lost property auction.
In partnership with the Sydney Community Foundation, Sydney Airport’s Bid for Good event auctions off unclaimed items left in its terminals to raise money for local charities.
Geoff Culbert, CEO, Sydney Airport, said, “Cana Communities is doing incredible work to support those suffering from homelessness and drug addiction and getting them back on their feet, and it’s an absolute pleasure to announce them as our major grant recipient as part of the lost property auction. Bid for Good unites our airport community and passengers with the broader community to deliver real change for those in need.”
Cana Communities services include three emergency overnight shelters where the charity provides accommodation, food, counselling and access to medical care and workplace readiness training.
Julie Sneddon, CEO of Cana Communities, said, “Like most charities, we rely on the generosity of the community and our volunteers to provide support to those who are highly vulnerable and living on the margins. This amazing gift from Sydney Airport will allow us to continue delivering holistic care to people who have been severely disadvantaged.”
Richard White, department manager of auctioneer Pickles, said, “As part of the 10 auctions we’ll have an extensive range of items across technology and gaming, including cameras, smartphones, tablets and laptops.
“Some of the more interesting items we have this year include inflatable pools, ice shavers, telescopes and a Chinese violin. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
The grant is funded by proceeds from the Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction, which began today (September 4). Additional grants worth up to A$10,000 (US$7,200) will be distributed to other charities after the auction.