Now in its sixth year, the Phil’ Fun-A-Thon proudly presented by Arc is the largest student-led philanthropy initiative in Australia. Over 24-hours in Week 6, over 160 students across 18 different teams took part in hourly activities to raise money for sick kids. The teams participated in a midnight dance party, sunrise walk, slime time and so much more. The top individual fundraiser was Vivian Salcedo (Masters of Applied Linguistics) who raised a whopping $1600!

The Phil’ Fun-A-Thon represents the culmination of a full year’s worth of fundraising efforts that included the TKC Jam-in-a-Jar gig night; Arc Sport staff member Craig Davies incredible 24-hour walk, City2Surf with Deputy Vice Chancellor Sarah Maddison and a huge Open Day Barbecue supported by Future Students. Throughout the year, Phil’ is coordinated by Alex Nguyen, a 5th year Biomedical Engineering and Material Sciences student. Alex said at the end of the event - 

The Fun-A-Thon wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible Phil’ volunteers who planned, lead and brought the vibes every hour of the event. It’s a credit to the whole UNSW community, and we are very grateful for every donation.”

Since the start of 2024, the student team have been fundraising for Child Life & Music Therapy as part of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. With their main operation just up the road at Prince of Wales Hospital, Child Life & Music Therapy is a cause that unites us all through their passion for using play and music therapies to enable sick kids and their families to navigate the sometimes scary world of medical procedures with safety and reassurance.

Its not too late to make a donation to help the team reach their target of $110,000 for the year!

Head to www.arc.unsw.edu.au/phil