A shout out to the Island’s fathers is set for tomorrow, starting with a Father’s Day proclamation to be read from the steps of City Hall by Premier Michael Dunkley.

The salute to fathers, dubbed “We Love You, Dad”, is being put on by Gina Spence Productions in recognition of Father’s Day coming up this Sunday.

“You hear a lot about women and their struggles, but there are so many men who love and cherish their families incredibly, and we wanted to shine a spotlight on that with this event,” Ms Spence said.

The tribute, which runs from 5.15pm to 6.30pm, will include speeches on fatherhood by the former editor of The Royal Gazette, Bill Zuill, businessman Ricky Spence, and Glenn Fubler of the group Imagine Bermuda, who has worked in tandem with Ms Spence and this newspaper to highlight examples of the contributions of fathers.

“Another element is to present awards to organisations that provide mentorship, leadership and support to men and fathers,” Ms Spence said.

Up for an award are the drug rehabilitation charity Jerry’s House, the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, Menspeak, Hamilton Rotary Club and the North Village Community Club.

Bermuda’s father of the year will also be selected, along with runners-up, based on submissions sent in to Ms Spence.

“It was very difficult to choose,” she said, adding that she could not keep a dry eye while reading accounts of “peoples’ relationships with their fathers, the sacrifices their fathers had made for them and the impact their fathers had on their lives — it’s an amazing thing to celebrate”.

“Everyone who submitted is invited to come to the event with their fathers,” she said.

The free gathering will include music, a Gombey performance and children’s events such as a fun castle, with face painting where youngsters can get their father’s names in a heart.

Those who attend the event are also invited to contribute to the Champions Programme, which supports children who have lost their fathers to gun violence.