Today in a special video message from the set of ‘Star Wars: Episode VII‘, director J.J. Abrams announced the creation of ‘Star Wars: Force for Change‘, a brand new ‘Star Wars’ initiative from Disney and Lucasfilm dedicated to finding creative solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems. The first ‘Star Wars: Force for Change’ campaign will raise funds and awareness for the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) Innovation Labs and its innovative programs that are benefitting the world’s most vulnerable children.

From now until 11:59 pm PT July 19th, ‘Star Wars’ fans are encouraged to donate to UNICEF.  For each $10 contribution made through the Omaze fundraising platform, those who are eligible will be automatically entered for a chance to win this once in a lifetime experience of appearing in a ‘Star Wars’ film.

Here’s Abrams announcing the initiative from the set of the film currently in Abu Dhabi:

Sounds exciting, yes?

But that’s not all! Here’s the complete list of what the ‘Star Wars: Force for Change’ Grand Prize winner will receive:

    • Airfare and accommodations to London for one winner and a guest
    • Behind-the-scenes access on the closed set of Star Wars: Episode VII as VIP guests of J.J. Abrams
    • Winner will have the opportunity to meet members of the cast
    • Winner and their guest will then be transformed by makeup and costume teams into a Star Wars character and filmed for a scene in Star Wars: Episode VII

Just like Kickstarter, this campaign through Omaze has a tiered rewards format. So the more money you donate, the more extra goodies you can acquire and the more entries you earn. Rewards range from posters, T-shirts, a Chewbacca bust, lightsabers hilts and an advance private screening of ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ before the film is even released!

According to Abrams:

“The ‘Star Wars’ fans are some of the most passionate and committed folks around the globe. We’re thrilled to offer a chance to come behind the scenes as our VIP guests and be in Star Wars: Episode VII. We’re even more excited that by participating in this campaign, Star Wars fans will be helping children around the world through our collaboration with UNICEF Innovation Labs and projects.”

Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, added:

“The ‘Star’ Wars films were made through George Lucas’s adventurous combination of technology and creativity. We wanted to honor and carry on that positive spirit as we start production on Episode VII and use Star Wars to make a difference in the world. Star Wars: Force for Change will help us do that, letting us give back to the fans who keep Star Wars alive, and raising much-needed funds for programs like UNICEF’s Innovation Labs.”

By pledging support for ‘Star Wars: Force for Change’,  fans are supporting UNICEF’s Innovation Labs which helps create sustainable solutions to major issues facing children in the areas of nutrition, water, health, and education. The ‘Star Wars: Force for Change’ campaign will help fund innovative, life-changing projects in communities around the globe. “The support from Star Wars: Force for Change,” says Christopher Fabian, UNICEF Senior Advisor on Innovation and co-Lead of the Innovation Unit, “will help to bind these innovators together on a mission to solve the world’s most pressing problems, and create a better future.”

So what are you waiting for? A chance to appear in ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ and help make the world a better place?! You don’t have to be in a galaxy far, far away to have the Force work through all of us.

For more information and to contribute, head over to Omaze.com/StarWars.

May the Force be with you!