If you’ve ever played Star Wars: The Old Republic, you are probably familiar with this line. The Jedi say it a lot in conversation. It’s not exactly witty dialogue but it is truly what Jedi are supposed to stand for. Even Anakin Skywalker, right before he fell knew that this is what they were meant to be. “The Jedi are selfless, they only think about others.” (Revenge of the Jedi)
In a world where suddenly fans can’t simply each like the parts of Star Wars they prefer without having to destroy all who disagree, there are things on which we should. Perhaps the difference between before and now is simply that before, there was something for all (in regard to merchandise). Now there isn’t, at least without serious hunting. Now its the new stuff or nothing. In point of fact, while some may love everything, prequels fans would simply like there share of merchandise, Original trilogy fans a share, and Expanded Universe fans a share, for instance simply more books and stories. None need be denied something: there was something for everyone for years. Why can’t we be that way again? Why can’t there be something for everyone? Well at the very least…there really IS something one can spend money on. Helping those who are less fortunate is always a worthy cause. It’s easy in game Star Wars the Old Republic to give a kid money (there is a Gree quest on Coruscant where you can do just that) because it really doesn’t take any actual credits away. It’s a bit harder in Knights of the Old Republic (where you have to earn them or loot them.) Since in the real world its a bit harder to get that money…we aren’t likely to trip over fallen people or monsters to loot (I HOPE). But what with finding less in stores I want to buy, I do find there are worthy places that might need it more. After all, that cool collectible will really need dusting. There are things worth more.
At the very least, there are things in the real world which we should agree on. Sick and starving children, people who are ill, illiterate…and Star Wars fans can make a difference.
In our world, we have an opportunity to do right still.
Here are a few causes going around now.
Twin Suns Foundation already on the campaigns page, seeking to preserve and continue the Expanded Universe. Raising money to get the Star Wars Legends Books into the hands of children, currently those in the hospitals, is a worthy goal. Currently the fund raiser is for two hospitals and has only just begun. You can find out more here.
Peter Mayhew, is everyone’s favorite wookiee Chewbacca is working to help kids in Venezuela. An economic crisis there is leading to severe malnutrition among children and this actor has a heart as soft for them as a wookiees fur. He is offering up challenge coins, $10 per coin to feed hungry kids. They ship in August and I don’t personally know when it ends. Here is where you can get in on a special wookiee coin and help kids too. You can also check out his Facebook page here.
Shannon McRandle is best known as Mara Jade, the model hired to be the character for Decipher’s Card Game. She’s always been a strong supporter of the Expanded Universe. But she’s now very ill and asking for support. If you’d like to know more and help, check out her Go Fund Me.
Magic Wheelchair is an ingenious idea to make sure kids who are in wheelchairs are not left out of the fun of wearing a costume at a convention or Halloween. They turn their wheelchairs into adventure! Not all of these are Star Wars themed of course, but some are. The latest being a Droideka from Episode 1. Check out their Star Wars Gallery here. and while you are there check out the rest of the site.
