Waterloo participates in 11th Canstruction Build

It was another successful year for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s annual Canstruction event.

Canstruction engages members of the Waterloo region to put their creativity to the test, building a unique structure out of non-perishable items that will later be donated to those dealing with food insecurity.

In partnership with the Federation of Students Food Bank, the Faculty of Engineering and the Engineering Society, 13 team members from the University of Waterloo constructed a creation inspired by Scottish folklore—Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. 

Rachel Yu, Engineering Society A-director and fourth-year mechanical engineering student

“I wanted to build something that would be different from previous years and showcase something with a lot of overhang,” said Rachel Yu, Engineering Society A-director and fourth-year mechanical engineering student.  “We thought the Loch Ness monster would be a great way to do that.”

The final product stood proudly at six feet tall and 10 feet long at Conestoga Mall.  In total, four months of planning and a series of 3D and 2D digital sketches were used to specifically map out each layer of the structure.

Wendi Campbell, chief executive officer at The Food Bank, explained between the food and financial support, the annual event provided 90,236 meals to those in need in the community.

“Canstruction provides a much needed boost to The Food Bank, especially as we head into the summer months, where donations slow down,” said Campbell.  “All food items and funds raised help us provide food for 215 emergency hampers and more than 2,000 community meals, through the Community Food Assistance Network, needed every day in our community.”

For participants like Yu, it’s a fun and effective way to support an important cause while putting her engineering skills to practice. 

“While this gave me experience in planning and seeing what I needed to do ahead of time, it was also a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the community and help people who are less fortunate than us.”

Events like Canstruction not only foster partnerships between the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and the University, but also ensures that the main branch remains fully stocked.  In turn, the Feds Student Food Bank, located in in SLC 2104, receives food from the regional food bank whenever required.

For those interested in donating, donation boxes can be found in the following locations around campus: DC Library, DP Library, ITMS Department, V1 Residence, MKV Residence, CLV Residence, CMH Residence, Velocity, REV Residence and in the SLC outside of the Food Bank Office.