Wiley|Wilson is excited to once again participate in the region’s Canstruction competition, an event that challenges teams to create a structure (based on that year’s theme) using only food products. The competition was put on hold last year due to pandemic safety concerns and returns in 2021 in a virtual format. All of the teams will create virtual structures and the number of “cans” used in each structure will determine the fundraising goal for that team. All of the funds will go directly to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (BRAFB).

“We are so excited that Canstruction is back! It will be different since we are not building a physical structure, but we want to contribute to our community with the food drive,” said Brooke Scott, Wiley|Wilson HR Generalist, who is a member of this year’s build team. “The Covid pandemic is not over and many of our neighbors and friends are struggling because of it. BRAFB reports that it is currently serving more than 11,000 people each month. Funds from this event will help them feed even more people.”

Teams from businesses and schools across the area brainstorm an idea then spend one day building their creations. Once the structures have been completed, judges evaluate the competitors, and the winners are announced. The best part is that all the food used in the creations are donated to the BRAFB. Through its broad network of distribution partners and direct outreach programs, BRAFB provides food to food-insecure individuals and families throughout Central Virginia.

Wiley|Wilson has a deep-rooted connection with Canstruction. The Richmond office was the first in the company to field a team and participated for more than six years. Wiley|Wilson Project Manager Aaron Tice was heavily involved in bringing the competition to the Lynchburg area in 2012. Since its inaugural year in Lynchburg, Wiley|Wilson has entered a team and won various awards for its designs, including Juror’s Favorite (2015); Tonnage Award (2015); Best Meal (2016); Best Use of Labels (2019); and Best Original Design (2019).