The chance to nab someone's forgotten treasure at Sydney Airport kicks off this week.
Sydney Airport has launched its seventh annual 'Bid for Good' lost property auction, with thousands of items going under the hammer for charity.
The event auctions off unclaimed items left in the airport's terminals by the more than 44 million travellers who visit the airport each year.
In partnership with Sydney Community Foundation, funds raised go towards grants supporting organisations that make a difference in the community.
The auction has raised more than $1 million for charity, with funds distributed to charities.
This year almost 100 local charities applied for grants from funds raised by the Lost Property Auction.
This year, there are a host of weird and wonderful items that will go up for auction including a two-burner hot plate BBQ, unused false eyelashes, a Betty Boop dress up costume, pool cue, an orbital sander, a metre-tall zebra statue, DJ mixing console, dream catchers, ukuleles, signed and framed Mohammed Ali memorabilia.
Hundreds of everyday items available include Apple AirPods, Nintendo consoles, cameras, laptops and notebooks, designer sunglasses - and a Dyson V10 vacuum still in the box.
All items start at $1.
Sydney Airport chief executive Geoff Culbert is calling on the community to get involved.
"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," he said.
Chief executive of Sydney Community Foundation, Jane Jose, says that partnering with Sydney Airport has benefitted many philanthropic programs in the airport's community.
"This is a fun and purposeful collective giving partnership of Sydney Airport, Sydney Community Foundation and the community, delivering impact to grassroots organisations helping people in our city," she said.
"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."
Additional grants will be distributed to other charities after the auction.
The public viewing day is from 9am-4pm on August 20. The auction runs from August 19-28. Bidding starts at 9am on the day and finishes at 8pm the following day. There are nine auctions across the following categories:
- Cameras, headphones and electrical (August 19)
- Smartphones, laptops and tablets (August 20)
- Perfume, cosmetics and health products (August 21)
- Jewellery (August 22 and 23)
- Artwork, homeware and toys (August 24)
- Wine and spirits (August 25)
- Sunglasses, footwear and accessories (August 26)
- Handbags, wallets, backpacks and clothing (August 27).