Canstruction: You can make a difference
According to the Community Food Sharing Association’s website, there are currently thousands of people in Newfoundland and Labrador who don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and children in our schools who are distracted because they are hungry.
While browsing the Internet looking for a way to volunteer in his local community, fifth-year civil engineering student Mitchell Spence visited the local food bank’s website and knew exactly how he could make a difference.
“I did some research online and came upon Canstruction, which is a unique charity that hosts competitions, exhibitions and events showcasing colossal structures made out of full cans of food,” he said. “I am studying to become a civil engineer and thought this is a perfect match.”
The event, Canstruction, will be held on April 3 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the old MUN gym. Mr. Spence is partnering with the community food sharing association. After the event, all food will be handed over to the local food bank and then distributed across the province according to need.
On event day, the canned sculptures will be built by participating teams of students and be on display in the gym for the afternoon as a giant art exhibition.
“The idea is to build structures out of canned food that’s going to make it’s way to people in our province who need it,” said Mr. Spence.
To participate, students from Memorial and the Marine Institute can register a team of between 5-7 people at canstructionnl.com or call Mr. Spence at (709) 770-4814. There is no cost for students to register and participate.
“All students have to do is register online, submit their design to me by March 27 and show up on April 3 to design their cansculpture,” said Mr. Spence.
Mr. Spence has started a personal campaign through GoFundMe, which has raised more than $1,000, which will go towards purchasing the food for the sculptures. He is also in search for corporate sponsors. If you want to sponsor this event, please contact Mitchell at (709) 770-4814.
For more information, please visit the www.Canstruction.org website.