Chris Hyndman's family asks for donations to go to Tommy Sexton Centre

The family of high profile TV personality Chris Hyndman is asking for donations to the Tommy Sexton Centre and AIDS Committee in his memory.

The late CBC television host, who grew up in Newfoundland and Labrador, co-hosted the popular lifestyle show Steven and Chris with his partner Steven Sabados. 

Hyndman was found dead in a laneway near his Toronto home last week. 

• Chris Hyndman, 'our blazing comet,' recalled in obituary 
• Chris Hyndman's partner Steven Sabados: 'Our hearts are broken' 

Gerard Yetman, the Executive Director of the Tommy Sexton Centre, said it's not surprising that the family would want to donate to the organization.

"He was an amazing role model, not unlike Tommy Sexton himself," he said.

"He certainly sent the message to young people that they are important, that it's OK to be gay and you can be very successful."

He said both Hyndman and his partner Steven Sabados were well known across the country for their support of gay youth, and Hyndman in particular had a loyal following and fan base in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Yetman said the move by Hyndman's family to ask for donations to be sent to the centre is just the latest example of how the arts community has stepped in to support their cause.

"I think the impact of HIV and AIDS on the gay community and the arts community throughout the country is certainly significant," he said.

"One of the things when we go back over the last 30 years, it's always been the arts community that has been very supporting of developing community resources, especially for youth and more importantly for gay youth."