Disneyland VoluntEARS are making magic in an extraordinary way this September. As a part of the ongoing CANstruction Orange County event, a dedicated team from Disneyland Resort has constructed an intricate sculpture of Louis, the serenading alligator from “The Princess and the Frog,” using more than 8,000 donated cans of food. This heartwarming initiative, now in its 17th year, serves to highlight the importance of addressing food insecurity.
This event, which is held in honor of Hunger Action Month, sees groups from various organizations coming together to craft detailed sculptures solely from cans of food. Amanda Schwarz, an architect at Disneyland Resort and an active Disney VoluntEAR, shared the dual purpose of the initiative. “Canstruction is really two types of hunger action. The first is our action with the donation of all the food used to build the structure, and the second is to raise awareness of food insecurity, which we hope inspires a ripple effect of action to donate to the food bank.” By translating their creativity and commitment into action, Disney’s team ensures the donated cans serve a dual purpose: creating stunning art while also filling the shelves at the Orange County Food Bank.
Disney’s participation in CANstruction is not a spontaneous endeavor but a meticulously planned one. Disney’s Cast Members and employees, known endearingly as VoluntEARS, spend months preparing for the event, with several weeks dedicated to practice runs to ensure the build day unfolds seamlessly. Last year’s contribution—a Steamboat Willie sculpture to celebrate Disney100—received acclaim, earning the “Best Original Design” award from both Canstruction Orange County and Canstruction International.
This year’s choice, a sculpture of Louis, resonates perfectly as it anticipates the opening of Disneyland’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The design celebrates both the theme of food’s magic and the most wonderful aspects of community spirit and charity. Beyond participating in CANstruction, Disneyland Resort recently pledged $100,000 to both The Orange County Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, reinforcing its dedication to the local community.
Events like these spotlight Disneyland Resort’s unwavering commitment to giving back, proving that Disney magic can extend far beyond the park gates and into the hearts of those in need. Have you had a chance to see the CANstruction sculptures, or do you have thoughts about Disney’s community initiatives? Share in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
Source: LaughingPlace.com
