The past two weekends were very eventful for the Vision Express team as they brought bountiful joy to another homeowner. Michael Anthony, 79, of Fond Assau, Babonneau, is now in high spirits, thanks to the Vision Express team which conducted home improvement works on his modest 12 feet by 16 feet dwelling. The plywood structure has been Anthony’s home for the past 65 years and needed some urgent remedial works.
After visiting Anthony in August, the team began mobilizing its human resources and purchasing building materials to undertake the project. At first, it was estimated that the project would last one weekend. However, due to the heavy rains over the past few weekends, the project has to be extended across two weekends.
Anthony’s home was renovated as part of Vision Express’s “One Community, One Vision” programme which was launched earlier this year. The flooring, roof, steps and room partitions were fully replaced and wooden cupboards and plumbing installed in the kitchen. Space for a small indoor bathroom was also constructed. The interior and exterior of the house were also repainted and several items were purchased to furnish the interior of the house.
Vision Express committed a large share of the material costs and the total costs for labour, but also reached out to several local businesses for assistance which came in the form of total donations or reduced prices for materials and other essentials. Special thanks to KFC and Blue Waters for sponsoring refreshments, and also Harris Paints who offered nearly 50% discount on the primer and paint. Stone Cast St. Lucia donated pavers for the yard. Other partners who came on board to make this project a success include St. Lucia Homes and SLYOU Marketing.
On Monday this week, Anthony, a tambou drummer for many years with a local cultural group, expressed thanks to the Vision Express team for making life much brighter for him. “The house looks very nice now,” he said. “I want to thank everyone who worked to make it better. I’ve been living here since I was very young, but did what I could to fix it up. I’m very grateful that the Vision Express team assisted me.”
Anthony is the second beneficiary of the home renovation drive started by Vision Express last May. In the first case, 21-year-old single mother, Rickela Joseph, had her entire Morne Serpent, Grande Riviere home refurbished. As part of the “One Community, One Vision” programme, Vision Express will embark on socially uplifting activities across Saint Lucia to assist families, communities and organizations in need. The funds are raised via the tip jars at each of the four Vision Express outlets in Saint Lucia. These efforts are important to us as we see Saint Lucia as one large unique community of amazing people.
Going forward, the Vision for Life charity will continue to assist Saint Lucians in various ways to bring relief to those in need, especially as our community works diligently through these challenging COVID-19 times.
