
‘Canstruction’ Fundraiser: Building Canned Food Structures for The Community
Teams of architects and engineers are building colourful creative structures out of cans of food in support of The Salvation Army Community and Family Services Food Bank in London, Ontario.
The Salvation Army and Michael Clark Construction are hosting the fundraiser competition called “Canstruction’ on September 23rd, 2022, at White Oaks Mall in London.
This is the inaugural event for The Salvation Army in London and there is no set theme this year. Teams can create any design they wish.
So far there are 7 teams registered to compete including a+Link Architecture Inc., Cornerstone Architecture Inc., Gray & Fick Ltd., Matter Architecture Studio Inc., Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc., Strik, Baldinelli, Moniz Ltd. and VanBoxmeer & Stranges Engineering Ltd.
Judging of the event will take place the day after the build on September 24th where a panel of community members from various fields will judge and award prizes for various categories including best design, best meal, which can be made from canned food used in the structure and the People’s Choice Award.
Salvation Army Community and Family Services Executive Director Nancy Kerr says the public will be able to vote on their favourite award. “They can vote by donating money into the bucket corresponding with their favourite team. The team that raises the most money wins the People’s Choice Award.”
Nancy says all the donated funds will help purchase additional in-demand non-perishable food items for the Food Bank.
Nate Ferhman, Founding Partner of Michael Clark Construction, says he was honoured to be asked to participate as it was a natural fit for their company.
“Our role is to co-chair the organizing committee, recruit teams and help on the day of the build with setting up and monitoring the teams as they build,” said Nate.
“It’s a great cause and the nature of the event makes it so interesting. It’s right up our alley. It’s really cool,” said Nate. “When we first heard about it from The Salvation Army, we went to see the fundraiser being held in other cities We are very much looking forward to it and we hope it will be an annual event.”
For more information, please contact Nancy Kerr by calling 519-661-0343 x266. To donate please visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
By: Caroline Franks