Sydney Airport has raised over $200,000 as part of its 2016 lost property auction with money going to Conservation Volunteers Australia, The Clontarf Foundation, The Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation and Lifeline Australia.
Sydney Airport chief executive Kerrie Mather said she was delighted with the result.
“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,” she 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.”
Conservation Volunteers Australia chief executive Colin Jackson said the organisation was appreciative of the airports ongoing support.
“Money raised from this event will support rehabilitating and restoring coastal areas along La Perouse, part of Botany Bay National Park,” he 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 and 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,” he said.
“In the process, their educational, employment, health and overall life outcomes will improve significantly.”
Kookaburra Kids chief executive Pamela Brown welcomed the 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,” she 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.’’
Lifeline Australia chief executive 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,” he said.
“The charity auction funds are helping us tackle Australia’s suicide emergency by ensuring help is available, simply and accessible, across modern communication.”
The auction saw more than 5000 items sold online during the auction period.
Jewellery and electronics were the most popular items, with hundreds of bids placed on rings, necklaces, ipads and tablets.
A collection of five assorted men’s watches was the most expensive item, with a closing bid of $2350.
