Capital Region CANstruction event begins in Crossgates Mall
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ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The 14th annual Capital Region CANstruction design and build competition will be held at Crossgates Mall beginning today, May 6, until May 19. Participating teams will build structures made entirely of canned goods to benefit The Food Pantries for the Capital District.
The structures will be designed using about 4,000 cans, under the theme "Lights CANmera Action!"
"Lights CANmera Action Canstruction will showcase a few familiar faces from the big screen, entertainment landmarks, and movie theater must-haves. Canstruction provides invaluable support to the food insecure in the Capital Region, while also showcasing the deep expertise and unlimited creativity of local design firms and contractors from the region,” said Jill Shorter, Capital Region CANstruction President and Director of Marketing at Ryan Biggs Clark Davis. “Crossgates has been an amazing partner and aligned in our vision, and we are excited for thousands of patrons of the mall to see the exhibit over the next two weeks. The support that Market 32 and Price Chopper provides to Canstruction is unmatched; we are incredibly grateful for their partnership and philanthropic spirit."
Shorter said the 12 participating teams include engineering firms and architects from around the Capital Region. The Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York will also be creating a "Girls CAN Do" sculpture to represent STEM fields.
According to Shorter, all materials used in the sculptures were purchased by event sponsor, Market 32 and Price Chopper.
"Market 32 and Price Chopper are proud to support Canstruction and the incredible creativity it brings to fighting hunger," said Pam Cerrone, Director of Community Relations for Market 32 and Price Chopper. "Our support helps raise awareness and collects much-needed food for local pantries, one can at a time."
According to Shorter, at the end of the event, the structures will be deconstructed, and the canned items will be donated back to the community. Shoppers can also bring canned goods to the event each day to be donated.
Since 2011, the event has donated over 900,000 pounds of food, raising more than $400,000 to help fight hunger. This year, organizers hope to break a donation total of 1 million pounds of food and raise $500,000 for The Food Pantries.
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