Star Wars Force For Change At Star Wars Celebration

In 2014, the Star Wars: Force For Change charity initiative raised over $4,000,000 for UNICEF. Now, Force For Change is going to Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim this weekend, in the hope of getting kids involved and enthusiastic about helping fellow children around the world.

Here’s an excerpt from the announcement on the official Star Wars website:

"“Star Wars: Force For Change, a global charitable initiative which harnesses the strength of Star Wars and its fandom to make a positive impact around the world, is back at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim held April 16th – 19th. This year, Star Wars: Force for Change will benefit UNICEF Kid Power, among other collaborations. Kid Power is a new initiative that uses the world’s first Wearable-For-Good to get youth physically active to provide food and nutrients to kids in need around the world.  By tapping into kids’ inherent desire to help others, Star Wars: Force for Change is inspiring a new generation of global citizens.The Star Wars: Force For Change Kid Power Booth at Celebration will host an interactive Star Wars-themed Obstacle Course. Kids will go through the course to gain Power Points and each Power Point represents a meal packet that will be donated to a child in need. Kids who participate will also receive an exclusiveStar Wars: Force For Change band to take home with them.”"

Star Wars and kids are a natural combination, so it makes sense that the two would combine for such a good cause as this. And if you’re an adult and can’t participate in the obstacle course, no worries: You can still help the cause by buying a The Force Awakens t-shirt!

"“To further support UNICEF, Star Wars: Force For Change is offering exclusive Star Wars: The Force Awakens t-shirts at the Celebration Store, with 25% of the proceeds going to U.S. Fund for UNICEF in support of Kid Power.  The screen-printed t-shirts include the movie’s logo, release date and Celebration logo on the sleeve, and are some of the only pieces of The Force Awakens merchandise to be offered at the show.”"

And finally, a special Star Wars Hot Wheels car based off of the pink astromech R2-KT will be offered at the Mattel booth, with some of the proceeds going to UNICEF. R2-KT was created in honor of little Star Wars fan Katie Johnson, who succumbed to brain cancer in 2005.

"“R2-KT has become an emissary of hope while raising awareness for pediatric cancer, so is the perfect symbol to be offered in this commemorative Hot Wheels edition…”"

It’s worth harping upon: Star Wars is truly a great franchise. It’s a place where family, friends, fun, geekery and charity can all come together and create a memorable stamp on the world. It’s something that we can participate in and feel good about doing so.

It’s a way to make a difference.

Please spread the word, and if you can, go and check out Star Wars: Force For Change at Star Wars Celebration! And whether you’re in Anaheim or a million miles away, you can learn more about the initiative and also donate here.