A Father’s Day walk will be held to underscore the problems that men face and the importance of fathers in a child’s life.

The Hamilton Rotary Club yesterday encouraged fathers from all backgrounds and their families to participate in Walk a Mile with Your Child in Hamilton next month.

Rick Richardson, the club’s president-elect, said the event would highlight the role of a father figure in a family, particularly during a time when “some families and communities are under siege”.

He explained: “We believe we need to first show that we as a community do care about the breakdown of the family and we care about the loss of so many lives of young Black men – fathers gone too soon.”

Mr Richardson said the walk would be used to bring attention to gun violence and the effect that it has on families.

He added that the proceeds of the walk will also go towards helping families at risk of encountering this violence, as well as the prevention of cardiovascular health problems, which have been known to disproportionately affect men.

The walk will start on Princess Street and walk through Court Street to Front Street before ending at Barr’s Bay Park.

Participants will receive medical checks and information packages at the end of the walk.

Sir John Swan, a former Premier of Bermuda, threw his weight behind the event.

Sir John said yesterday: “This cause is commendable. I think it offers the greatest promise that I’ve seen so far in our changing times – our challenging times when people are looking for a way towards the future.”

He added that the wellbeing of men, particularly Black men, were often ignored and that it was important to fight the problems they face.

Sir John said: “I think that we have to make sure that everybody knows their worth because they have played a role in the lives of young people.

“This is the time now for all of us to step up, speak up, be a part of something that is worthy of helping the 50 per cent on our population that needs the greatest amount of help.”

Kirk Johnson, the general manager of Bermuda General Contracting Services, said many father were under a lot of pressure to provide for their families but often had their needs overlooked.

He added that he felt inspired to be a participant in the walk for the sake of the community.

Mr Johnson said: “We have some major issues with our community so I will do all I can to promote this event.”

The walk will happen on June 19 at 6pm and costs $30 to register. To register for the walk, click here.