Luxury Locations issue 26

FEATURE

The Giving Syndicate: How one little girl inspired a community The syndicate was spearheaded by Luxury Locations to encourage the corporate world to give back

T he plight of one little girl born without the ability to move freely like her friends has helped spark a national campaign for change. Diana was just nine years old when she met disability campaigner Joshuanette Francis, founder of non-profit group Good Humans 268 which champions the rights of differently abled people. An exceptionally bright and

Diana’s new independence. “She can now get to the classroom on her own and has the freedom to ride to and from school unassisted,” Nadia says. She adds: “Luxury Locations is incredibly grateful to the businesses and partners who stepped up, each contributing their expertise, funds or materials to make this project a reality.” Those partners included real estate

promising student at Potters Primary School, Diana’s mobility challenges affected everything from getting to school in the morning to something as simple as using the bathroom unassisted. Her dream was a simple one: to move independently, safely and with dignity – just like her classmates. Joshuanette’s ardent lobbying led to the creation of a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, enabling Diana to use it without having to ask for help. That one mission soon grew into something far bigger, inspiring the creation of the Giving Syndicate – a group of local businesses and individuals determined to ensure things didn’t end there.

developer Elmsbridge who helped turn concept into construction, and L Ffrench Construction who provided on-the- ground support to ensure the ramps are safe, durable and built to last. Earl’s Heavy-Duty Equipment did the all-important digging and groundwork, while Antigua Masonry Products supplied the concrete for the ramps and access paths. Antigua Port Authority created the drawings and lent technical

support to ensure the designs were practical and safe. And Total Imports kindly shipped the electric wheelchair to Antigua. Future support is coming from CIBC Bank and Sky Tiger, both of whom have pledged donations for further projects. “The Giving Syndicate was formed to encourage the corporate world to give back to the community. The project is headed by Luxury Locations, with everything carried out transparently so companies can see how their donations are being spent,” Nadia explains. “We are committed to helping more children with disabilities access the same opportunities as everyone else. “But it doesn’t stop there. There are several projects we will be tackling – including helping a family of five whose home is in

The Luxury Locations team on the ground

They came together to fund a new electric wheelchair for Diana and transform Potters Primary with new access ramps, creating a safer and more inclusive environment not just for Diana but for every child and visitor who passes through the gates. “The chair is great,” Diana, now 11, tells Luxury Locations Magazine. “It helps me to move around so no one has to push me.” Nadia Dyson, of Luxury Locations which spearheaded the syndicate, donated cash and bought the wheelchair, welcomed

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