Canstruction Waterloo Region returns to Conestoga Mall during March Break, March 9 to 17. The week-long event—hosted by The Food Bank of Waterloo Region— increases awareness about food insecurity in our community, raises food and funds in support of The Food Bank, and brings local businesses and community groups together to use their creativity to help build a future without hunger.

Once again, this year’s event is presented by Cohen Highley Lawyers, a multidisciplinary law firm that provides exceptional legal services to personal and corporate clients throughout Ontario. Their dedication to success not only spans 50 years but also extends beyond the court/board room and into the community. As the presenting sponsor for Canstruction, Cohen Highley is helping to ensure that no one goes hungry in Waterloo region.

“Food insecurity is something that no one should ever have to face,” says Laura Smith, one of the lawyers and partners at Cohen Highley. “In Waterloo region, one in 10 households require access to food assistance programs. This is something we all need to be concerned about.”

To help fight hunger in our community, 14 teams are participating in Canstruction, putting their talent and skills to the test to build awe-inspiring structures using more than 24,000 unopened cans of food! All the food used is donated to The Food Bank to be distributed to the Community Food Assistance Network.

“Canstruction is a really cool event!” says Katie Baker, another lawyer and partner at Cohen Highley. “The structures are amazing. Year after year, we are blown away!”

Laura Smith, left, and Katie Baker, right, from Cohen Highley Lawyers are pictured here at the 2023 Canstruction Waterloo Region event.

Both Laura and Katie are joining our panel of judges to help hand out awards for Best Original Design, Structural Ingenuity, Best Use of Labels, Most Cans, Best Meal, and Judges’ Favourite.

“We love getting to judge the structures!” Laura exclaims. “The creativity, artistry, and innovation are consistently mind-blowing!”

But they’re not the only ones who get to judge the structures. The public will also determine an award winner. Between March 9 and 17, community members can visit the mall, view the structures, and donate to The Food Bank to vote for their favourite build. The structure with the most votes wins the People’s Choice Award. Every dollar donated can help provide two meals for someone facing hunger.

Both Katie and Laura encourage residents in Waterloo region to check out Canstruction.

“Everyone should learn more about the food insecurity in our area, and why supporting The Food Bank is so important, especially now,” Katie adds. “So much of the hunger plaguing our community is hidden in plain sight.”

To see all the structures, be sure to drop by Conestoga Mall between March 9 and 17 and donate to The Food Bank to vote for your favourite build to help decide the People’s Choice Award.

To learn more about The Food Bank’s sponsorship opportunities and how your business can help ensure no one in our community goes hungry, visit our website or contact our partnership officers, Nicole Marinelli at nicolem@thefoodbank.ca and Hunter Markle at hunterm@thefoodbank.ca.