Waterloo Region, Ont., March 6, 2025 – The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is thrilled to announce Canstruction Waterloo Region is returning to Conestoga Mall during March Break, March 8 to 16!

Presented by Cohen Highley Lawyers, the week-long event brings together local businesses and community groups, using their creativity to build a future without hunger. On March 7, 15 teams will showcase their talent and skills, turning their imaginative designs into awe-inspiring structures crafted from over 35,000 unopened food cans.

“Canstruction is a creative way to raise awareness about food insecurity in Waterloo region, spark meaningful conversations about hunger in our community, and bring in much-needed food and funds for The Food Bank,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

This year’s goal is to raise 100,000 meals through food and monetary donations. The food used in the structures is donated to The Food Bank and then distributed to the 54 organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network that provide direct food support to the more than 73,600 people in Waterloo region accessing food assistance.

Wilhelm explains that the need for food assistance in Waterloo region has reached an all-time high, with one in eight households in the region struggling to afford to put food on the table. Three years ago, that number was one in 20 households.

“Food assistance is no longer just for emergencies. With the rising cost of living, every day feels like a crisis, and for many people, food support is the only way they can get by. Events like Canstruction help ensure that families and individuals across Waterloo region have access to the food they need through the Network.”

Donate to Vote

From March 8 to 16, the public is invited to visit the mall, view the structures, and donate to vote for their favourite build. The structure with the most votes wins the People’s Choice Award, presented on March 17. Online voting is also available at thefoodbank.ca/dtv, with all proceeds supporting The Food Bank. For every dollar donated, two healthy and nutritious meals are provided to those in need.

Find Phil contest

Families and children can enjoy some March Break fun by seeking out Phil the Food Drive Bag stickers, The Food Bank’s mascot, hidden in three of the structures. Once all three stickers are found, participants can fill out a ballot or enter online at thefoodbank.ca/findPhil for a chance to win one of two prizes. The draw takes place on March 17.

Awards

A judging panel will evaluate the structures on March 8, with awards presented March 10 for Best Original Design, Structural Ingenuity, Best Use of Labels, Most Cans, Best Meal, and Judges’ Favourite. Winning teams become eligible to complete at the international level against builds from other citywide events.

For more information about Canstruction Waterloo Region, visit thefoodbank.ca/canstruction.

About The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Founded in 1984, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (The Food Bank) was the first organization of its kind in Ontario dedicated to providing emergency food. Forty-one years after its incorporation, The Food Bank continues to evolve to meet the community’s needs, ensuring that no one in Waterloo region experiences hunger. As a distribution centre, The Food Bank distributes more than 8.9 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 54 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network. Learn more at thefoodbank.ca.

About Canstruction Waterloo Region

Affiliated with Canstruction, an internationally recognized hunger relief charity, Canstruction Waterloo Region raises awareness about food insecurity in our community as well as food and funds in support of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Locally, the event has raised more than 1.8 million meals since 2008—helping to ensure no one in the community goes hungry. Canstruction Waterloo Region 2025 is presented by Cohen Highley Lawyers and sponsored by Strassburger Windows & Doors (build day), Fastenal (donate to vote), CJ Brubacher Ltd., Steed and Evans, Purolator, Conestoga Mall, and Innovative Digital. The Find Phil contest is sponsored by Aire One Heating & Cooling KW, Eyeview Optical, and Eyes on King. Learn more at thefoodbank.ca/canstruction.

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Media contact

Michelle Rickard
Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
micheller@thefoodbank.ca