Sydney Airport auctions off lost property online for charity
It appears people really travel with the most bizarre things. Items which have been lost at Sydney Airport and lay unclaimed for 60 days are now up for sale. Apart from the expected laptops and mobile phones, a zebra statue, Dyson vacuum and a hotplate BBQ are also being auctioned off — with all proceeds going to charity.
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A zebra statue, a vacuum and a Betty Boop costume are among items left behind by hapless travellers at Sydney Airport that are now being auctioned for a good cause.
The Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction kicked off today with up to 2000 items available with the starting price as little as $1.
Sydney Airport spokesman Josh Clements said the items for sale have been left unclaimed by travellers.
“We have more than 44 million passengers coming through Sydney airport every year. Unfortunately a large volume of people leads to a large volume of lost items. We make every effort to reunite people with their lost items but of they remain unclaimed for over 60 days this is where they end up,” he said.
The sale is being hosted by Pickles Auction house in Milperra with items open to the public for viewing on Tuesday.
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Online bidding began on Monday and will continue on Tuesday for headphones, cameras and electrical goods.
After this, other items such as jewellery, cosmetics, wine and spirits, handbags and clothing, and smartphones and laptops will be available for purchase until August 28.
Popular lost items include laptops, alcohol, cameras, earphones and sunglasses while designer goods such as Dolce and Gabbana perfume, a Louis Vuitton bag, a Tiffany and Co bangle and a Gucci belt are also available.
There is even a Dyson vacuum, a two burner hotplate BBQ and an orbital sander up for auction.
Pickles Auctions have been partnered with Sydney Airport since 2013 to sell the items with all proceeds going to charity.
Marrickville Legal Centre is set to be granted $100,000 out of the auction this year with the money to be used for a women’s financial empowerment program.
Sydney Community Foundation spokesman Caroline Fonda said they are expecting to raise more than $100,000.
“So far we’ve committed to $150,000, but we are really hoping to raise well over $200,000 to even $300,000.”
Since 2007 travellers have been barred from taking liquids such as shampoo or soap over 100ml in carry-on baggage on international flights.
A Sydney Airport spokesman said these confiscated items aren’t a part of the Lost Property Auction.
“The items in the auction are unclaimed items left in the airport’s terminals. Items confiscated as part of security processes are dealt with in accordance with government regulations.”
Originally published as Sydney Airport auctions off lost property online for charity
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