An engaging and charitable event has once again graced Glenbrook Square Mall in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Known as 'Canstruction,' this creative competition invites local schools to construct unique designs using canned goods. Community members contribute by voting for their favorite structures with a minimum donation of $1 per vote. This year's theme, "Storytime," inspired six participating schools to craft imaginative displays that will remain on view until May 4. All funds raised from the event will support hunger relief efforts.
On April 25, students from various educational institutions gathered for 'Build Day' at the mall. Participating schools included Central Noble Jr./Sr. High School, Concordia Lutheran High School, Leo Jr./Sr. High School, Northrop High School, North Side High School, and South Adams Middle School. Each team worked diligently to transform ordinary cans into extraordinary sculptures, all while adhering to the event’s central theme. The competition not only fosters creativity but also promotes awareness about food insecurity within the community.
Voting for the most popular structure is straightforward; visitors can cast their ballots either in person at the mall or online via a dedicated webpage linked through Community Harvest Food Bank's Facebook page. In addition to the coveted "People's Choice Award," which comes with a $1,000 prize, other accolades are awarded for categories such as best meal representation, structural integrity, label usage, quantity of cans used, and originality of design. These incentives encourage participants to push the boundaries of their artistic and engineering skills.
The Canstruction event exemplifies how art and charity can intertwine seamlessly. By encouraging community involvement through donations and votes, it highlights the importance of addressing food insecurity issues locally. Moreover, the interactive nature of the event inspires both students and spectators alike, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and innovation. Through these efforts, the Community Harvest Food Bank continues to make strides in alleviating hunger within the region.