Team registration for Canstruction Long Island Design Competition underway to help fight hunger

Canstruction Long Island, Inc., one of the country's most unique food charities has opened registration for teams to compete in its 2014 design competition to help fight hunger here on Long Island. The organization raises public awareness and fills the shelves of local food banks through this annual event comprised of sculptures made entirely of non-perishable cans of food. "Through the spirit of competition, we are excited to engage the A/E/C community in our shared mission to fight hunger here in our region," said Tracy Lobdell, executive director, Canstruction L.I. "We are especially happy to welcome back our past teams, and look forward to welcoming new organizations and schools in this year's competition." Registration is open until August 22 for teams to compete in the design competition. Participants can be members of architectural, engineering or construction firms and their vendor firms, students at colleges with architectural, engineering or construction degree programs, middle to high school students and members of community groups. Canstruction L.I. is also looking for sponsors who would like to promote their products and services to Long Island's leading architectural, engineering and construction firms - all while helping to feed the hungry on Long Island. Since 2007, Canstruction L.I. has held its annual competition where teams of design and construction professionals, college students and middle and high school students led by architects and engineers, showcase their talent and creativity by creating giant, self-supporting structures out of cans of non-perishable food. Student teams are mentored by professionals in the architecture, engineering, design and construction fields, which provides the younger students with exposure to these potential career fields at an early age, and gives the older students an opportunity to develop relationships with professionals that they can possibly intern or interview with in the future. The structures are on display to the public for 10 days, after which the cans are donated to Long Island Cares, Inc. - The Harry Chapin Food Bank to feed the more than 300,000 Long Islanders that are affected by hunger and/or food insecurity. Attendees are asked to bring one can of food for admission to the exhibit to also be used cast their vote for the "People's Choice" Award. As one can equals one vote, the public is encouraged to bring multiple cans of food to cast as many votes as they like. For more information about sponsoring Canstruction Long Island, forming a team or attending the awards reception, please visit www.canstructionli.org.