Canstruction Waterloo Region raises 89,655 meals for those facing hunger

Brock Solutions’ build, It’s-A-Me, Can-io, wins the People’s Choice Award at Canstruction Waterloo Region 2026.

Waterloo Region, Ont., March 24, 2026 – Canstruction Waterloo Region, presented by Cohen Highley Lawyers, has raised an incredible 89,655 meals in support of individuals and families struggling to afford food.

Held annually at Conestoga Mall during March Break, this year’s event not only raised awareness about food insecurity but also collected 22,522 pounds of food and raised $35,443 through generous contributions from community members and local businesses.

“Every year, Canstruction brings out the best in our community,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “I’m so grateful to everyone who shows up, gets involved, and helps make sure no one in Waterloo region goes hungry—especially at a time when the need for food assistance remains high.”

All the food used in the structures is donated to The Food Bank and distributed through its Community Food Assistance Network, which includes 61 organizations providing direct food support to nearly 73,000 adults and children across Waterloo region. Funds raised help fill critical inventory gaps, support culturally appropriate and dietary needs, and sustain warehouse and distribution operations.

Last year alone, The Food Bank distributed a record-breaking 9.6 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food across the Network.

Canstruction Waterloo Region winners

This year, 13 teams from local businesses and community groups transformed more than 26,000 unopened food items into impressive, larger-than-life structures—demonstrating both imagination and technical skill. On March 22, four builds were recognized with top honours:

• Best Original Design: Stubbe’s Precast (Turning Hunger Around)
• Structural Ingenuity: Conestoga College ACET Program (Ohana Means Family and Family Means No One Goes Hungry)
• Best Use of Labels: Stubbe’s Precast (Turning Hunger Around)
• Most Cans: Van Harten Land Surveying (Measured in Red)
• Best Meal: Steed and Evans (Building More Than Roads)

From March 14 and 22, community members also cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award by making a donation to The Food Bank. This year’s winner, Brock Solutions, took home the title for It’s-A-Me, Can-io! raising an impressive 8,640 meals through the donate to vote option.

Other fan favourites included Van Harten Surveying Inc.’s Measured in Red with 6,115 meals, and Conestoga College ACET’s Ohana Means Family and Family Means No One Goes Hungry with 3,690 meals.

“Canstruction shows what’s possible when people come together with creativity and care,” adds Wilhelm. “To the teams, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and everyone in our community—thank you for showing up, giving your time, and making a real difference.”

Since 2008, Canstruction Waterloo Region, has contributed more than 2 million meals to help feed the community.

For more information about the event, 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 9.6 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 61 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 2 million meals since 2008—helping to ensure no one in the community goes hungry. Canstruction Waterloo Region 2026 is presented by Cohen Highley Lawyers and sponsored by Fastenal (donate to vote), Steed and Evans, Conestoga Mall, and Innovative Digital. The Find Phil contest is sponsored by Aire One Heating & Cooling KW, Eyeview Optical, and Eyes on King.

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Media contact

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