by Toni Weri
THE GALACTIC MISSION: Trooping with the 501st/Rebel
Legion at Toronto Comiccon 2014
On
March 7th-9th, I had the pleasure of Trooping with my fellow members
of the 501st and Rebel Legion at Toronto Comiccon, in Toronto,
Ontario. It was, as always, an enjoyable event. Legion members from Ottawa,
Toronto and the U.S.A attended this geeky event.
Photo taken by Toni Weri
I'll summarize what we, the 501st/Rebel Legion, do. We are a
volunteer, international costuming organization that raises funds for various
charity organizations. We do this by setting up various booths at events, such
as comic conventions or at local fundraising events. What do we costume as? As
STAR WARS characters! All costumes are made by Legion members.
The
good guys and the bad guys, banding together for the same goal, to make a
difference while doing what we love.
Trooping
for charity, that’s what we do. All funds raised during Toronto Comiccon 2014
will go towards a children’s charity.
How
did we raise funds? Well, that’s one of the fun parts of Trooping. At major
events, such as comic conventions, an elaborate and interactive booth is
normally put together. At the beginning of the booth, the Canadian Garrison put
together an info/recruit desk. Here, Legion members happily answered questions
about our group as well as informed convention goers on how they can become a
501st/Rebel Legion member. Normally raffle tickets are available at
this part of the booth.
Photo taken by Toni Weri
The
next section of the Legion booth was a “Blast-a-Trooper” for charity.
Participants shot at Stormtroopers and Clone Troopers with awesome Nerf guns.
It was actually quite a blast. Troopers underwent hours of being bombarded by
foam blaster bullets, all in the name of charity.
Photo taken by Toni Weri
Moving
along down the Legion booth, we reach the photo booth. Here, fans of all ages
took pictures with their favourite Star Wars characters, for a small donation
of course.
Photo taken by Toni Weri
The
501st/Rebel Legion Canadian Base raised a total of $6170.65 during
Toronto Comiccon 2014 for a children’s charity. Awesome job Troopers!
Photo taken by Phil
Gotfried at Toronto Comiccon 2014
The
Legion is active on five continents, with Garrisons and Outposts in over fifty
countries around the globe. Making a difference while
being geeky. Sounds about right to me.
For
more information about the 501st and Rebel Legion, please visit the
links below.
May
the Force Be with You!
Toni
Weri is a freelance artist. She is a geek of all trades, but her forte
lies with anime, costuming, video games and Sci-Fi.
You
can follow her on Twitter or Instagram @ TONIGEEKGIRL
Luv ur work babe! Keep on keepin' on!!
ReplyDeleteGreat article, Toni!
ReplyDelete