Sydney Airport may be empty but there’s a stack of valuable lost property being auctioned off to raise money for sick children.
Bargain hunters can snag everything from laptops and digital cameras to Gucci fragrances and guitars as part of an online auction whose proceeds are going to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Website Pickles is hosting the auction and has more than 1500 listings, which began a staggered release to the auction stage on Sunday.
“All proceeds will be donated to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation to fund music therapy programs at both The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick,” the website reads.
“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.”
Based on a quick search of the listings, Apple AirPods and alcohol are the most commonly misplaced items at Sydney Airport.
There is also a host of laptop computers, as well as perfume and health products, jewellery, musical instruments, clothing, sunglasses and plenty more used items.
There is even a pair of didgeridoos and an ABBA vinyl record for sale.
The annual auctions have raised $1.2 million for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Although COVID-19 travel restrictions have rendered Sydney Airport relatively empty since March, a representative said the charitable auction was a silver lining to the pandemic.
“After what has been one of the most challenging years in our 100 year history, it’s important for us to continue supporting our local community,” Georgia Clark, manager of partnerships and customer service at Sydney Airport, told NCA NewsWire.
“We’re really proud of closing out the year knowing that we’re helping the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation with the exceptional work they do for sick children and their families.”