George Clooney auctions Oscars goodies for Katrina charity

George Clooney has highlighted the pointless extravagance of the bags of goodies given out to celebrities at the Oscars by giving his own stash away for charity.

Celebrities attending the ceremony get a bag of free gifts and it has been reported that this year’s presenters got gifts worth around $100,000.

George’s pack included a Blackberry, a Kay Unger designer kimono and a necklace made from Tahitian pearls - and he insists he has no need for the items. Instead, his gofts will be auctioned in aid of the United Way Hurricane Response and Relief Recovery Fund, which supports victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The auction winner will also receive a handwritten thank you note from the man himself according to United Way spokesperson Sheila Consaul.