Thredbo Merritts Chair Online Auction Raises In Excess of $200,000 for Charity

October 9th, 2019

 

Merritts Chair, making way for a new Gondola in 2020.

Mountainwatch |Press Release

As Thredbo prepares for the deconstruction and decommissioning of the Merritts Chairlift ahead of the construction of the new Merritts Gondola, Thredbo is proud to announce that the auctioning off of 112 historic Merritts chairs has raised in excess of $200,000 for charity.

The Online Auction, which was live from 24 September – 1 October, attracted an overwhelming response from bidders, all wanting to secure their own piece of Thredbo history. Chair #2 attracted the highest bid at an impressive $4,005 and Akja Chair #55 was the lowest price at $1,935.

Snowy Mountains local Elizabeth Timmins said, “I’m really excited that my bid won chair #56. I remember watching the Merritts Chairlift being built and now 51 years later it is great to have this slice of Thredbo history. I think we’ll mount it in our paddock amongst granite rocks looking up to the mountains.”

“This has been a fantastic initiative by Thredbo, and I’m certain the local charities and non-for-profit organisations will really appreciate the donations.”

 

Over $200,000 was raised in the chair auction with a lot of people keen to own a piece of Thredbo history.

All proceeds of the auction will be distributed to nominated charities including the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation as part of the Event Hospitality Company Giving Program along with local charities to the Snowy Mountains including:

* Thredbo Early Childhood Centre

* Thredbo Volunteer Ski Patrol

* Disabled Wintersports Australia

* Jindabyne Trail Stewardship

* The Fly Program

* Thredbo Historical Society

 

“We were overwhelmed by the response to the auction of the Merritts chairs. It truly shows how passionate and enthusiastic our Thredbo community is, particularly when all proceeds are dedicated to such worthy causes,” said Stuart Diver, General Manager of Thredbo Resort.

“Owning a piece of Thredbo history is pretty special, but what’s even more special is the benefit the contributions will bring to the charities and non-for-profit organisations.”

 

Artist impression of the new Gondola – work has already started on  dismantling the old Merritts chair.

Presentations of the donations are planned to take place over the coming weeks. The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation will receive their donation at their biggest fundraising event of the year – Radiothon 2019.

On Friday 18 October, Radiothon will broadcast on-air with Smooth FM and live with 7NEWS to raise vital funds, which will go towards lifesaving equipment, conducting research into childhood diseases and delivering vital services to patients and families from all over Australia.

From Tuesday 9 October, the Merritts Chairlift will be decommissioned and deconstructed. Preparatory works have already commenced on the construction of the new Merritts Gondola, which is planned to be ready for operation in winter 2020.