Did you know that 10.2% of all Canadians face "food insecurity" according to the most recent report from the Daily Bread food bank. Of that number some 40% are immigrants to Canada.

Like most who grew up in this country, I've lived a life where food was always available - even if it was those seemingly endless egg and rice stir fries of my college days. While money may not have been in abundance, relatively heathy food always was. Sadly, for many among us that is changing. Too many kids in this great city are hungry. As many as 55,000 children in the GTA experience hunger every week and too many families have to turn to the kindness of others to feed themselves.

The food bank does heroic work to contain this crisis. As an institution, it brings out the best in the city's population. Many companies contribute food and/or offer volunteer work to the organization so others have food to put on their tables.

As a designer, I have to admit to feeling great pride for the architectural and engineering professions whenever I come across their "Canstruct" installations at the TD Centre. In case you've missed them, here are a couple of images:





What is the purpose of these creations? Here is what spokesperson Stephanie Lakin of the Canstruction Steering Committee writes:

Canstruction® was developed by the design industry to showcase their creative talents in a fun and informative manner while raising awareness and generating food donations for local food banks. Canstruction is held in cities across North America; this year marks the 9th annual design/build competition in Toronto. . . . Last year, 19 teams participated in the Toronto Canstruction event, enabling a donation of almost 70,000 lbs of food to Daily Bread Food Bank. This year’s event in Toronto will be held at the TD Centre. The build night will take place on Monday, November 5, and the exhibits will be on display until Sunday, November 11.

Want to get involved and have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many Torontonians? Go to the Canstruction Toronto website to volunteer.