Brisbane,
04
February
2020
|
15:36
Australia/Brisbane

Brisbane Airport’s lost property auction to give the gift of dance and movement

Active Eight is a multidisciplinary paediatric therapy and facilitator team

Tuesday 4 February 2020: One traveller’s lost property is a life-changing treasure for a local children’s charity, with Brisbane Airport’s Online Lost Property Auction raising a staggering $25,529.30.

The funds will be dispersed through The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund to Active Eight (A8), a grassroots charity based in Toowong that is dedicated to assisting young people with disabilities to activate and achieve their full social, emotional and physical potential.

A8 will use the funds to install Australia’s first dance and yoga ceiling hoist system, allowing children with serious mobility issues the opportunity to take part in dance and yoga activities.

This year, 560 bidders took part in the Online Lost Property Auction, vying for items ranging from jewellery and watches to a long-neck oud. Fierce bidding saw the auction blow out five hours past its scheduled finish time.

A bag of jewellery and a Cannon camera were among the items reaching the highest bids, selling for $900 and $800 respectively.

Jacinta Messer, Brisbane Airport Corporations Sponsorship & Events Manager, said the online format continues to go from strength to strength, with this year’s result surpassed the previous two years.

“While we always strive to return possessions to their rightful owners, we are incredibly proud of what we have been able to do with the lost property that cannot be returned.

“To be able to make a difference to the lives of children living with disabilities through this unique and exciting fundraiser is amazing,” Ms Messer said.

“We couldn’t have achieved this result without the help of our wonderful partners, Pickles.”

Belinda MacPherson, Board Director of The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund, said the Brisbane Airport Online Lost Property Auction has become one of the biggest contributors when it comes to raising much-needed funds.

“We are delighted to partner with BAC for a second year on this fantastic event and to see growth on the funds raised. Repurposing what others have left behind allows The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund to provide vital funds to charitable organisations and continue our promise of helping Queensland children in need.” Ms MacPherson said.

Zachary Fook, Active Eight Chief Executive Officer, said the funds will open up opportunities for children who otherwise could not participate in dance and yoga.

"With so many worthy causes and projects around, we are truly humbled to receive this support to install a specialised ceiling hoist for our dance and yoga programs.

"Since 2013, Active Eight have been supporting children and young people of all abilities to participate in our inclusive programs, and this hoist has been on the wishlist since day one.

"By removing the physical barriers that some of our current (and future) students face when pursuing their recreation and sporting passions, we can truly provide an accessible, life-changing and above all, fun experience."