Star Wars: Force for Change Ignites Goodwill Around the World in Celebration of Star Wars Day

In various countries around the world, fan groups also went to children’s hospitals to celebrate Star Wars Day. In the United Kingdom, St. Guys Hospital MediCinema celebrated May the 4^th with a Star Wars-themed event where Mark Hamill visited with young patients undergoing medical treatment. In France, Force for Change kicked off Star Wars-themed celebrations for children currently admitted at Robert-Debré hospital in Paris. 145 children enjoyed visits from various fan groups and received gift bags. In Spain, Force for Change brought the galaxy far, far away to 16 different children’s hospitals across five cities. More than 2,500 children enjoyed visits from members of various fan groups with 2,500 toys, books and DVDs given away. In Italy, hospitals in Rome and Milan ran May the 4th celebrations in honor of Force for Change. More than 100 children enjoyed visits from members of various fan groups. In Russia, Force for Change joined forces with LEGO to activate the Force in three different children’s hospitals around the country. Over 90 children enjoyed visits from members of various fan groups and received gift bags from LEGO. In Australia and New Zealand, Force for Change hosted Star Wars Day activations with six children’s hospitals across both regions.

Aside from visiting various children’s hospitals around the world, Force for Change was also present in many different ways.

In the United Kingdom, The Sun launched a May the 4^th takeover with Mark Hamill as “guest editor” kicking off a daylong fundraiser for Great Ormond Street Hospital. On behalf of Force for Change, The Sun and Disney will match all monies raised.

Germany celebrated Star Wars Day with charity screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Cinemaxx theaters across Germany. All donations collected benefitted DKMS on behalf of Force for Change.

In Hungary and the Czech Republic, artistic interpretations of stormtrooper helmets decorated shopping malls in each country. These helmets were then auctioned off with 100% of proceeds being donated to children’s hospitals. In addition, more than 330 children enjoyed visits from members of various fan groups across ten different children’s hospital wards.

In China, Force for Change joined together with Taobao’s Charity Platform. Special edition Star Wars products donated by celebrities were auctioned with proceeds going to Chunhui Children.

On behalf of Force for Change, Japanese Airline ANA donated 5.4% of May the 4^th sales on A-style (ANA’a e-commerce website) to the Kumamoto prefecture, a region that has been affected by strong earthquakes.

In Korea, popular fashion brand UNIQLO donated a percentage of all Star Wars merchandise sold to Make-A-Wish on behalf of Force for Change.

Hong Kong celebrated by encouraging science education with a tech-based contest resulting in eight inventions that give back to society.

In Mexico, Force for Change worked with two notable causes to inspire hope. Force for Change hosted food donations with Comedor Santa Maria, which provides food for children living in poverty, in addition to hosting Star Wars-themed events with Dr. Sonrisas, a children’s medical organization, to spread joy to kids living with illness.

Argentina celebrated Star Wars Day in partnership with local charity Fundación Sí; proceeds from Force for Change screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens will benefit communities impacted by devastating floods in the region.

Force for Change is grateful to fans all around the world who continue to dedicate their time and energy to make a positive impact on the world!

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