Carnival Cruise Line is in full swing celebration mode, capping off its holiday ‘food and fund’ drive with a massive donation of over 17,000 cans. The campaign was held in conjunction with Second Harvest Food Bank, a US based charity committed to solving hunger.
So what became of the 17,000 cans of food? In a feat of architectural brilliance, they’re being used to construct the world’s biggest cruise ship crafted entirely from canned goods. The cans will bring plenty of Christmas cheer to Americans across the country, providing over 75,000 meals to those in need. It’s a fantastic way to ensure that no matter what bank balances are looking like this Christmas, every American still gets to enjoy a festive feast.
Schools team up to collect cans
The cans were collected by over 40 schools in just six weeks, with the generosity of the public outstanding organisers. In return for their efforts, the top five schools received a pizza party, plus a VIP tour of the Carnival Triumph.
“People are so generous this time of the year. This is another way to remind people that one out of six people are at risk for hunger every single day in Louisiana, and one out of four children are hungry,” said Natalie Jayroe, with Second Harvest Food Bank.
Creating cruise ships from cans
The ship was constructed by a team of over 100 volunteers from the New Orleans chapter of the American Institute of Architects and Second Harvest Food Bank. Needless to say, we hope their can stacking capabilities are up to scratch! When it’s completed, the cruise ship will measure in at a huge 30 feet long and 10 feet high. The cruise ship began to take form in front of the Mercedes Benz Superdome, and was featured in the Monday night football game between the Saints and Detroit Lions.
“This gigantic Carnival cruise ship made of cans is going to take more than 17,000 cans to build. Dozens of volunteers are here, and it’s going to take about 20 hours to complete. The ship will be 30 feet long and 10 feet high when it’s done,” said Jennifer De La Cruz, a Carnival Cruise Lines representative.
As for what tasty treats the ship will be made up of? Of the 17,474 cans, contents include cream style navy beans, red beans, peas, carrots, tomato meat sauce, tuna, black beans, evaporated milk, cranberry jellied sauce and more!
Image via Flickr Creative Commons. Photo credits: F Delventhal
