A charity is to dedicate its upcoming Cup Match Tag Day to its “beloved” founder Martha Dismont.

Ms Dismont, who passed away last week, founded Family Centre, which supports vulnerable families in Bermuda, more than 30 years ago.

It came as MPs in the House of Assembly paid tribute to the social worker and counsellor, with Cole Simons, the Leader of the Opposition, proposing that Ms Dismont be made a National Hero for her service to Bermuda.

David Burt said Ms Dismont, a former constituent of his, had stood out as “a champion for children and for families”.

The Premier added: “Her devotion to helping those in need and the positive impact she made in Bermuda will live on for a long time.”

Michael Dunkley of the One Bermuda Alliance praised her “laser-like focus on families” as well as her candour in speaking her views.

Family Centre’s tag day will be sponsored by Clarien Bank and will run from today until August 2. Funds raised from each Cup Match ribbon sold will go towards supporting its work in the community.

Sandy De Silva, the charity’s executive director, said: “Martha Dismont was a visionary leader with a humble and passionate spirit, who was driven to help others.

“She saw opportunities instead of barriers and her unapologetic courage to stand up for what is right resulted in her receiving well-deserved local and global recognition.

“Martha’s perspective was to look for what is possible, bringing inspiration to all those around her. She had the unique gift of simultaneously inspiring both hearts and minds moving people towards healing and communities to social advancement.

“There is comfort in knowing that her life’s work and commitment to our community will be a legacy and it is Family Centre’s privilege to carry on in her honour.”

Dr De Silva added: “While we at Family Centre are deeply saddened by Martha’s passing, we are inspired by her life and legacy. Martha loved Cup Match Tag Day, it was her favourite time of year.

“She looked forward to spreading Cup Match excitement across the island while raising critical funds to help children and families.

“We are dedicating our annual Cup Match Tag Day to Martha’s memory. Wear your Cup Match ribbons proudly and give generously on August 2, knowing that your support is honouring Martha’s legacy and making a difference in a child’s life.”

Volunteers are still needed for the tag day event which was launched in 1995. They will be stationed across the island on August 2 from 8am to 8pm.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Family Centre on 232-1116 or visit www.tfc.bm/cupmatch to sign up.

Michael DeCouto, Clarien’s executive vice-president, said: “Clarien was blessed to have a personal and professional relationship with Martha Dismont as part of the work we did with the Family Centre over the past few years.

“We are confident Martha’s legacy will continue to live on through this annual tag day and the vital work the Family Centre continues to do. This year’s fundraiser will be particularly special as it is not just a celebration of Martha’s life but a testament to the impact she had and the many lives she touched.

“Let us come together as a community and honour Martha’s memory by raising funds to continue making a difference in the lives of families in our community.”

On August 2, Clarien will host free Cup Match festivities outside its Point House, Hamilton, location from 11am to 3pm. There will be performances including by the H & H Gombeys at 2.30pm and giveaways.

There will also be memory board stationed outside Clarien, where members of the public can leave their messages of condolence.

For more information on the Family Centre Cup Match Tag Day or to place ribbon orders, visit www.tfc.bm/cupmatch or call 232-1116.