Bath STAR’s Biggest Fundraiser Yet: The Dance-a-thon! 💃✨
On Saturday, 22nd February, Bath Student Action for Refugees (STAR) hosted its largest fundraising event to date, the Dance-a-thon, a 3-hour dance challenge where participants had to keep moving while raising sponsorship donations. All profits went to the newly established Sanctuary Emergency fund at our university, which provides refugee and asylum-seeking students at the University of Bath with essential support beyond tuition scholarships. This includes emergency funding for food, winter clothing, housing, and mental health care, ensuring that education is not just accessible but truly sustainable for those in need.
We were blown away by the enthusiasm—14 participants danced their hearts out, cheered on by many onlookers. With a mix of Instagram promotions, in-person shoutouts at dance classes, and incredible community support, we raised over £650, surpassing our expectations! This might seem like just a number, but it can go a long way in providing winter clothing or food assistance to students in need.
Beyond fundraising, the Dance-a-thon sparked important conversations. Many students didn’t realize that Bath is a City of Sanctuary and that our university has a dedicated Sanctuary Scheme to support refugee students. This event helped raise awareness of their presence on campus and our collective responsibility to ensure they feel welcomed and supported.
And let’s not forget the well-being benefits! Dancing for a cause brought people together, boosted energy levels, and gave everyone a chance to de-stress while making a real impact.
This fundraiser was a celebration of movement, community, and solidarity. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and spread the word. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue making education truly accessible for everyone!