UNSW lost property sale turns forgotten items into meaningful support

UNSW Protective Services and Arc have donated the proceeds of a recent lost property sale to the Sydney Children’s Hospital. 

UNSW Protective Services and Arc have donated $13,800 in proceeds from a lost property sale in June to the Sydney Children’s Hospital’s Child Life and Music Therapy teams. 

The annual lost property sale is a chance for the UNSW community to give forgotten items a second life. Throughout the year, UNSW Protective Services collects and securely stores lost property such as bags, clothing, electronics and accessories from across campus. If the owners can’t be identified, the items are held for up to three months, allowing the owners time to reclaim them.  

Those items that go unclaimed are sold at an annual lost property sale, run in partnership with Arc’s philanthropic initiative Phil’. All proceeds are donated. 

The most recent sale in June saw many items sold to students and staff to raise money to support programs for young patients. 

Funds help create a positive healthcare experience 

Hospital stays can be stressful, especially for young patients facing medical challenges. The Child Life and Music Therapy teams at Sydney Children’s Hospital work to reduce the anxiety and distress associated with hospitalisation. 

Therapists in the hospital’s Music Therapy team use music and play to help hospitalised children understand their medical procedures. Through music therapy, children can also develop coping strategies, express emotions and maintain connections with their families, schools and communities. Child Life Therapists also provide specialised support to help children and families manage hospital-related stress.  

The funds raised through the lost property sale complement money raised through other Phil’ initiatives, including City 2 Surf, Dares for Donation and Bunnings food stalls.  

Read more about how the Child Life and Music Therapy teams have helped children like Harvey and Molly.