Listen Here
By Abbie Stevens, StevensA6@Findlay.edu
On Nov. 6, the University of Findlay hosted its 19th annual Helping Hands Food drive, aimed at reducing food insecurity in the local community.
As part of the Helping Hands campaign, UF also offers a Canstruction competition, where campus clubs and organizations have four days to build a structure or design in the lobby of the CBSL building out of canned goods. Each participating club’s sculpture has the chance to win Most Poundage, Most Creative, and People’s Choice.
This year, the Canstruction theme was “Game on to Stop Hunger.” Designs could include sports, board games and video games according to SGA president Kaitlyn Watkins.
This year, the Oiler Marching Band took home the People’s Choice Award, Alpha Psi Omega won Most Creative, and UF 4 Paws for Ability won Most Poundage.
UF’s 4 Paws for Ability club’s winning sculpture clocked in at over 2,080 pounds, surpassing competitors. UF’s 4 Paws has participated in this competition since 2022, but this was their first time winning one of the awards, according to 4 Paws president Luke Miller.
“It was very rewarding to win this year and look back at how much we’ve grown as a club since we first participated,” Miller said.
Since canines are the center of 4 Paw’s mission, the club typically chooses a Canstruction design that features dog.
“With this year’s theme of “Game On Against Hunger” our officer team eventually landed on the 1984 Nintendo video game: Duck Hunt,” Miller said. “This is a game released on the NES and in arcades that simulates duck hunting with a dog featured as a helpful companion throughout the game.”
However, 4 Paws won the Most Poundage category based on more than design.
“The biggest factor that I think played a role in us winning most poundage was the dedication of our volunteers in trying to incorporate as many of the cans as possible into our design,” Miller said. “Three of our officers — Claire Wing, Lex Bishop, and I — all stayed up until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday to finalize our details and make sure it looked exactly how we wanted it.”
Miller reflected on his time from this event.
“This is always such a fun volunteer opportunity,” Miller said. “I hope that the University of Findlay clubs continue to participate and enjoy Canstruction for many years to come.”
In total, the 2024 Helping Hands Food Drive collected 265,216 pounds of food — over 15,000 more than in 2023 — that will go to CHOPIN hall, a local food pantry serving Hancock County.
