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Melbourne Airport lost property funds local community fund
Forgetful air travelers are unwittingly going to help local community initiatives in north and west Melbourne.
Melbourne Airport launched a new Community Giving Fund which will be subsidised by the sale of lost property at the airport
Each year thousands of airport lost property items are left in the airport terminals and those that remain unclaimed are eventually auctioned off.
The funds raised at auction will now be used for the Melbourne Airport Community Giving Fund.
It will have an initial $50,000 to support local initiatives.
The program formally launches on 2 of October.
It will provide grants of up to $2,000 to applicants to help fund expenses for community projects.
These expenses include uniforms, transport, community kitchens and libraries.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said the fund is designed to support smaller local organisations.
“Every year passengers leave behind items, that despite best efforts, will never be reunited with their owner,” Parashos said.
“We’re delighted to be able to give the proceeds we’ve raised back to our local community. “
“He said the grants could help ‘an art class needing supplies, a sports club updating uniforms or a gardening club looking for seedlings.’
“Melbourne Airport tries very hard to reunite every passenger with their belongings but sometimes that’s not possible.”
The fund is open to community groups operating in suburbs directly surrounding the airport.
Grant applications are open via the Melbourne Airport website.
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