Mothers selling old Communion dresses to make some extra cash

CASH-STRAPPED mothers are being forced to sell off their children’s Holy Communion outfits to make ends meet instead of storing them as keepsakes.

Photographs of dozens of girls’ dresses and boys’ suits labelled “worn only once” have appeared on online auction sites as well as on notice boards in local supermarkets in recent days.

A mother named Debbie in Co Laois says on an ad on Donedeal.ie says: “Hi, I am selling my daughter’s Holy Communion dress. Worn just once but looks new.”

Other ads say: “Worn for only three hours. Fully dry cleaned. Excellent condition.”

Parents are anxious to convert the clothes into cash before the Holy Communion season for second-class primary pupils begins in April and May.

The Money and Budgeting Advice (MABS) agency, which helps families cope with household bills and budgeting, said parents around the country are being forced to take drastic measures every day to find extra cash.

MABS official Michael Culloty said: “Many families are in dire straits after losing jobs or getting pay cuts or just struggling with the general cost of living.

“It is obvious they will do whatever they have to do to pay a bill or bring more money in to pay for food and other essentials.”

Second-hand Communion dresses and accessories are selling on sites such as Donedeal.ie and eBay.ie for about €40-€90.

MABS said it has also heard of parents clearing out their attics and garages and selling the goods at car boot sales to earn more money.

Mr Culloty explained: “In the current economic climate, people are being forced to be very resourceful in terms of how they can bring in extra income. It is something I and MABS staff are seeing every day now.”