'Canstruction' campaign looks to add much-needed boost to Calgary Food Bank
Displays of retro game characters crafted out of tens of thousands of cans at Southcentre Mall is about more than just art.
"All of the canned goods that are used in this construction are then going to make their way to the Calgary Food Bank to help to feed and serve our community," said Melissa From, the CEO and president of the food bank.
It's a donation campaign that is once again badly needed, as demand at the food bank continues to climb.
Staff and volunteers used to provide food to about 450 households daily at this time last year, but that number has jumped to nearly 700 per day.
About 30 per cent of their clients are employed, From adds.
"These are folks who have jobs and, for all intents and purposes, they're doing everything right and they can't make ends meet," she said.
"We've got inflation and we've got mortgage rate increases and we've got the carbon tax. All these things add up."
Nine teams of engineers and designers from Calgary businesses will build displays out of canned goods. The theme this year is retro toys and games and can be viewed at the mall until April 21.
The teams are expected to use more than 44,000 cans of beans, tuna and more -- before all of the items are sent to the Calgary Food Bank to be distributed.
People who visit the displays are also encouraged to drop off donations of non-perishables at the mall and vote for their favourite canned craftsmanship.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.
BREAKING Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
WATCH LIVE Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Supreme Court orders new trial for B.C. francophone who was not given French option
The Supreme Court is ordering a new trial for a francophone man in British Columbia who says he was not informed of his right to have a trial in the official language of his choice.