On October 2nd, 1997 Eswick Padmore and a group of concerned friends founded Friends For Life to provide support for LGBTQ persons and persons living with HIV/AIDS in Trinidad & Tobago. For the last 24 years, Eswick and people like Selwyn Maynard, also known as ‘Tony’, have been guardian angels to so many in our communities. When our blood families abandoned us because of hate or stigma, Eswick and Tony became our family. When we were in crisis and needed a bed, food, shelter, advice about living a healthy life as an LGBTQ person or needed life-saving medication as an HIV-positive person, they were there to provide support, wise words, and a hand to hold while directing us to the proper resources.

Almost a quarter-century of sacrifice is impossible to pay back. But the time has come for us to begin to offer Eswick and Tony some small part of what they have offered us. While fighting for our rights and our lives, these two brave elders of our community have also been fighting diabetes. On 15th June and 22nd June, each had to have a leg amputated below the knee. Needless to say, this is a huge life-changing shift for both of them, but we can do a lot right now to assist them with their private medical and living expenses as well as purchasing prosthetic legs that will restore their independent mobility. Consider giving what you can to these two caregivers who have given so much to all of us over the years.

The recipients can be contacted directly should sponsors prefer to donate and/or contact them directly.
Mr. Eswick Padmore +868-331-4985
Mr. Selwyn Maynard +868-736-0426 or +868-383-8106