Society of Saint Vincent de Paul bringing inaugural CANstruction® event to Windsor-Essex
By: Matt Weingarden , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Windsor Essex Central (SSVP) is bringing a unique event to the region.
The inaugural launch of CANstruction® is a fun event which encourages local schools and businesses to use their talents to help those struggling to put food on their table.
Registered teams design and build giant structures (CANArt®) made entirely out of non-perishable items. This event raises funds, food, and awareness for the SSVP Windsor Essex Food Security Program and the 27 food banks and special works projects that operate under the umbrella- “Together, you can “Help Us Help Others” and as we work towards fostering a future without hunger.”
The initiative is to feed hungry people,” said Doug Doey of the Society, “There has been a huge increase in demand, and this will help to raise awareness, funds and stock local food bank shelves.”
As 35 per cent of people are unable to afford the basics for themselves or their family they are relying on foodbanks to make ends meet each month and this number is continuing to grow each month.
Doey says that teams will consist of Windsor-Essex County architects, engineers, contractors, designers, schools, tool and die/moldmakers, as well as greenhouse owners.
“If you can imagine it…you can build it,” said Doey.
These teams compete for awards in the following categories: Best Meal ingredients, Structural Integrity, Best Original Design, Most Cans, Best Use of Labels, and People’s Choice awards. Winners from each local competition then go on to complete internationally in these same categories.
The event takes place at Devonshire Mall in front of The Bay from May 18 thru June 1.
On May 17, teams are asked to deliver their food items to the mall and on May 18 build Day starts at 9 a.m. The installations will be available for public display for two weeks. Judging takes place on May 30 at 1 p.m. at the mall. ‘Decanstruction’ happens on June 2.
Teams are allowed a 10ft. x 10ft. x 8ft. footprint to build their structures.
Residents are encouraged to vote for your favourite structure as many times as you want. Each vote is tied to $5 donation via credit / debit card / cash.
The cornerstone of SSVP is the home visit. During the home visit we provide not only an emergency food hamper, but a friendly visit, companionship and our volunteers are also able to issue vouchers for needed items such as clothing, household goods and furniture.
The SSVP programs include: home visits, street outreach, prison ministry, beds, Helping Hands Friendship Centre, resale shops and many more.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has been operating in Windsor Essex since 1896 offering continuous service to those in need in our community.
“Hunger takes no vacations,” concluded Doey.
Interested in participating in the event? You can visit:
www.ssvpwindsoressex.com/CANstruction
Or contact Doug Doey at 519-816-0465 or Tamison Doey at 226-348-0423 or, dougdoey@gmail.com
