What is Canstruction?
Canstruction® is an international charity competition where architects, engineers, contractors and students compete to design and build giant structures made entirely from full cans of food. Rochester is joined by 100 cities across North America who will hold Canstruction® Competitions in the coming year. Highlighting the creativity and compassion of top architectural and engineering firms, these astounding structures are helping to change the world – by lifting the spirits of those in need, by raising public awareness, and most importantly, by collecting millions of pounds of food for local food banks.

 

How do I enter a team?
The first step in this process is to see if you have interested volunteers within your firm or organization. These structures can be planned and built with as few as two people, but the ideal number is between 5 and 10. If you have some interest, but not enough, you may want to contact another firm that you typically work with and see if a joint venture could be formed. It is suggested that you attend the Kickoff Meeting to get a better understanding of how this all works. Once determining that you do want to participate simply submit a Call for Entry form and you’re on your way!

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Can anyone enter a team?
Yes, but you must have a team leader in a design related field to oversee the planning and execution. These structures may appear quite simple but are often very complex and safety is always priority.

 

Who pays for the cans?
Individual teams are responsible for all can and food item purchases. However, teams typically solicit firms, groups or individuals to help offset these costs. In some cases, teams have succeeded in receiving food donations directly from distributors and /or manufacturers. I’d like to participate but I don’t have a team. This should not be a problem as teams are always looking for extra hands. You should contact Ken Glazer and he will be able to connect you with teams potentially looking for some extra help. My firm would like to either sponsor a team or the event. That’s terrific, as a non-profit organization we are always in need of extras funds to help facilitate this great event. The sponsorship program breaks down the various opportunities and levels.

 

How do we get the cans to the event?
There are two ways to delivery cans to the exhibit space. If the food items are ordered through Wegmans then they will be delivered by the Rochester Foodlink to your designated building area. The second option is to purchase cans from other options. In this scenario, the teams are responsible for delivering all their food items to the site. If delivering is a problem, special arrangement will be made for pickup and delivery.

 

After the event, where do the cans go?
All food items collected will go directly to Foodlink following the end of the exhibit.

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Is Canstruction Rochester a tax-deductible organization?
All purchased food items are considered direct donations to the Rochester Foodlink and as such these items can be deducted on through their organization. Unfortunately, the Canstruction Rochester event is not a 501(c) not-for profit organization and therefore event sponsors are unable to claim deductions for their charitable donation.

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Where can I find more information on Canstruction?

Visit the international website to see what Canstruction is doing all over the world!

To feed the hungry. To lift the spirit. To change the world.