Over the weekend Salford residents were visited by characters from Star Wars for a charity fundraiser at Walkden Shopping Centre.
The event that took place on Saturday 16 November, saw famous characters such as Darth Vader, Storm Troopers, and r2D2 roaming around the shopping centre.
The fundraiser was started from 10am and lasted until 4pm, and was used to raise money for the charity Mencap.
Mencap is a charity that support people with learning difficulties with the aim of creating a society that is kinder, fairer and more inclusive for those with learning difficulties to live in.
Throughout the day, characters could be seen walking the shopping centre allowing residents to get a photo opportunity.
Many were spread throughout the shopping centre, allowing many in the area to be surprised by the arrival of the iconic movie characters.
The event originated after one of the Walkden Mencap volunteers is also a storm trooper for the UK based independent Star Wars costuming group 99th Garrison.
The group were able to support, and come along to help raise the profile of the charity and its mission to help those with learning difficulties.
As a spokesperson from 99th Garrison added: “We are an independent Star Wars costuming group based in the North of England.
“We fundraise most weekends for various charities, so far in 2024 we have collected over £16,000 for 20 different charities.
“All of our troopers and crew are volunteers and give their time for free. Without them we would not be able to do what we do.”
The independent costuming group have covered Northwest, North Wales, Northeast and Central regions, and have previously supported charities such as Children in Need and Cancer research.
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Following the event one spokesperson from Mencap shared their gratitude to the charity fundraiser, as a spokesperson said: “At Mencap, fundraising is crucial in helping us make the UK the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
“All the money raised from the bucket collection will support this vision and go towards Mencap’s vital work, including campaigning for the rights of people with a learning disability.”
The charity fundraiser was a fantastic way to raise more money to support those with learning difficulties, and help provide a more welcoming environment.
Feature image taken from 99th Garrison social media with permission.
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