Canstruction is a non-profit competition where teams create sculptures of canned and packaged food that is then donated to food banks. The event is held in many cities around the world including Toronto. Since its inception in 1992, Canstruction has contributed more than 17.5 million pounds of food to food programs globally.
Planning for the 17th annual Toronto Canstruction began in January. The “build night” where the teams come together to build the sculptures was held on the 16th of May at the Toronto Dominion Centre. The sculptures are now in the many lobbies of the TD Centre buildings and they will remain on view until the 21st of May. At that time they will be “decanstructed”.
A sample of this year’s entries:
below: A winning emoji, ‘EmojiCAN’ built by GM BluePlan Engineering Ltd. Emojis, the little symbols popularized by social media, understood by everyone no matter what language they speak.
below: ‘Let’s End Hunger by All Measures’ by Walsh Canada. “Food Banks Canada estimates that in 2015 852,137 Canadians turned to food banks each month for food. The need for food banks spiked in 2009 and has hovered at record levels ever since.”
below: A lovebot made of cans by Cecconi Simone Ltd.
below: A close up of part of ‘Hungerbling’ by Hatch. It features Drake and comes with lyrics.
You used to call me on my cell phone
Late night when you need my food
Call me on my cell phone
Late night when you need my food
And I know when that hunger bling
That can only mean one thing
I know when that hunger bling
That can only mean one thing”
below: ‘CANadian MAyPoLE’ by Candevcon Limited. “We often dance around the issue of hunger, but this time the children have the formula to fight it.”
below: Close up of ‘Perspectives on Hunger and Heroes’ by ARUP. A tribute to the late David Bowie since “hunger has many faces”.
as I walk Toronto 