Only one event could get recreations of SpongeBob SquarePants, a stack of pancakes and an “End Hunger” sign built in the lobbies of downtown’s TD Centre buildings: Canstruction.
This is the annual competition that challenges design and architecture firms to create unique structures out of canned food to raise awareness of food insecurity. After the public exhibition, the art pieces are deconstructed and all food is donated to Daily Bread. This year’s event, running from May 12-16, brought in over 115,000 cans, the third-highest number in Canstruction’s 23-year history. In total, this event has donated nearly 1.3 million pounds of food to the fight to end hunger.
We need this support now more than ever. More than 1 in 10 people in Toronto are relying on food banks to feed their families. “And in a city as wonderful as ours is, that just shouldn’t be the case,” said Daily Bread CEO Neil Hetherington during Canstruction’s awards night on Tuesday. “But you have been there [for them] through thick and thin.”
Each structure contributes to the mission of ending food insecurity in two ways: by donating high-value non-perishable goods and making an impactful visual statement for the public. Some firms used the opportunity to spread a message, like RJC Engineers’ piece, “TAKE ACTION,” which won the award for Most Cans Used for its huge display that included Daily Bread’s logo, a giant chart of the skyrocketing food banks visits in Toronto, and a “Donate Now” sign.
Other groups, like Q4 Architects Inc., which won the award for Best Use of Labels, used the platform to speak about Canadian pride and how it’s a national value to take care of each other.
“The iconic Canadian flag, standing strong behind the mountains, symbolizes our nation’s commitment to helping those in need and supporting the strength of our land,” read the description of their piece, “Nature’s Bounty: Feeding our Future.”
That sense of responsibility is shared by the event organizers themselves. Ryan Brown, who is transitioning from a former Canstruction team captain to event co-chair, said that the year’s donations were fantastic, but he knows the need is ever growing. “I hope we can all both be proud of what we’ve accomplished but also take on the challenge to continue to try and push the boundaries and do more next year and in the years to come,” he said.
Check out the Canstruction structures at TD Centre until Friday, May 16, or view them on their Instagram page. Don’t forget to “like” your favourites — the creation that receives the most likes by May 16 will win this year’s People’s Choice Award.
