“The construction of this laundry facility for the residents at our Soroptimist Village is part of Soroptimist International of Barbados’ (SIB) on-going commitment to seniors in our society particularly at a time when appropriate, comfortable and affordable housing is scarce.

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President of Soroptimist International of Barbados (SIB), Ayo Barnard-Rawlins made this point on Wednesday at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new laundry facility at the Soroptimist Village in Eden Lodge.

She praised the contributions of Andy Voss, Architect of Tomlin Voss Associates who was involved with the village since its inception in 1972, and designed the facility and Mark Pearson, of Cooper Kauffman, the Quantity Surveyor on the project. Both professionals provided their services free of cost.

“We are exceedingly appreciative of the contributions made by corporate Barbados. In this environment, it is not a small feat when a professional takes the time out to work voluntarily and to do so with the utmost professionalism.” said Barnard-Rawlins.

She noted that they were hopeful of still more corporate generosity in the coming months as they seek to outfit the facility.

Construction on the facility will take two months. When completed, the laundromat will be equipped with four washing machines and two dryers to serve the residents of the Village.

The Soroptimist Village, conceptualised in 1972 by the late Hildegarde Weeks, a member of SIB, completed its first block of Units in 1978 providing 22 self-contained Units for seniors at a subsidized rent. The Activity Centre was completed and opened in 1991 and provides a recreational space for the residents of the Village and seniors within the community to engage in various activities such as line dancing, art and crafts, all geared towards providing a community for seniors to live out their best years.