Make a difference and have some laughs at Arc's Fun-A-Thon

Test your wits and reflexes while contributing to a great charitable cause.

Published on the 31 August 2026

UNSW students participating in Arc's Phil' Fun-A-Thon

What exactly is Phil' and the Fun-A-Thon?

Marathons are all about running for an extended period of time and pushing through the pain barrier for ultimate glory. Replace the pain and 95 per cent of the running with fun challenges and good times - all while raising money for a great charitable cause - and you get the famous Phil' Fun-A-Thon.

What's the 'Phil'' in all of this?

Phil' isn't just a name pulled out of a (metaphorical) hat or a reference to the dad from Modern Family. Established in 2016, it is one of the largest student-led philanthropy initiatives in Australia aimed at raising money each year for Child Life and Music Therapy at Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick.

The therapists use music and play to help hospitalised children understand their medical procedures and make sure they don’t miss out on having a fun childhood. Phil' combines volunteering efforts and fundraising activities (such as the Fun-A-Thon) so that university students can not only have some fun, but they can help make a positive impact on kids in hospital.

Since its inaugural year, Phil' has raised well over $500,000 for Child Life and Music Therapy, so the team are doing some fantastic work.

Modern Family, really?

Hey, the first couple of seasons were pretty good and Phil Dunphy is a great character.

Now tell me about Fun-A-Thon

Alright. Established in 2016, the Fun-A-Thon is the grand centrepiece of the Phil' event calendar. Typically taking place in the middle of Term 3, it is a 24-hour non-stop, ahem, marathon of fun challenges that'll test all participants' strength, reflexes and team chemistry. All for a good cause, of course.

As the cause is to fundraise for kids in hospital, the challenges all imbue the spirit of what it means to be a kid. Think scavenger hunts, lip sync battles, inflatable obstacle courses, dares, and undeniably bizarre arts and crafts.

Volunteer for Phil'

UNSW students at the Phil' Fun-A-Thon.

Why should I participate in the Fun-A-Thon?

Won't you please think of the children?!

If that's not enough of a reason to partake, think of the fun you'll have, the connections you'll build and the chance to scratch that philanthropy itch.

You'll spend 24 hours with friends (old and new) doing fun activities that will make a real difference in people's lives. Your participation will help fund key services that'll bring fun and comfort for children in need.

Plus if you spend 20 or more hours fundraising for the event, you'll get AHEGS recognition.

If you're not one for fun, games and challenges, then look at it as a volunteering opportunity to develop skills that'll help you in the long run. You'll sharpen those all-important communication, creativity and critical thinking skills by facilitating all those Fun-A-Thon activities.

The best part is any UNSW student can participate in the Fun-A-Thon or be a Phil' volunteer. No experience is necessary; all that's required is your enthusiasm and passion to make a difference!

Again, think of the children.

Fun-A-Thon key details

When 📅: Wednesday, 21 October 12pm – Thursday, 22 October 12pm

Where 📍: All around UNSW Kensington Campus

Who 👥: You and a team of 6-8 people – gather your friends and society execs, or apply solo and we’ll match you with others up for the challenge!

How to apply: The application forms are open on Rubric. Just submit your form as an individual or a team by Term 3 O-Week, Monday, 7 September.

To make things easier, only one person per full or partial team needs to complete this form. Just make sure you’ve got your teammates' names, emails and zIDs ready to include.

If you're flying solo, don't stress! Just fill out the form and you'll be matched with a team of new friends who are also keen to take on the challenge.

Submit your Fun-A-Thon application