VIDEO: Cork soup kitchen offers free communion clothes

A soup kitchen charity in Cork believes its free first communion clothes initiative for families struggling to meet the costs of the big day should be replicated across the country.

Cork Penny Dinners said the response to its appeal earlier this month for just one second-hand communion dress to help one needy family has been overwhelming.

So many people and companies responded that the charity, best known for feeding the city’s hungry, is staging a pop-up shop event on Sunday in the River Lee Hotel.

The charity showcased some of the almost 100 donated outfits at a fashion show in Ovens National School yesterday and it assured that all the clothes that will be on display this weekend will be free.

“They are not for hire. They are not being loaned. They are there to take home and keep. No strings attached, no questions asked,” said Cork Penny Dinners volunteer co-ordinator Catriona Twomey.

“It will be set up like a shop and we will have shop assistants, so the children will feel they are on a shopping spree.

“If we can make lovely memories for children on their big day, who might not otherwise get the dress or suit of their dreams, we will be glad we have done something good.

“It’s people who have giving to those who have not. If more of this happens, then maybe the Government will catch up.”

Families are travelling from Clare and Limerick to attend the event. Experts from shops such as Buckleys, Cinderella’s Closet, and Simply Suits will be on hand from 1pm to 6pm to offer fitting and style advice.

Stylists from Joseph’s Hair Salon will take bookings to provide free styling at its Glasheen salon on the day of communions in May.

Members of the public has donated more than 100 dresses, tiaras and other accessories, and several items of boys’ clothing.

However, Ms Twomey said they could do with a few more pairs of girls’ shoes.

While this weekend’s event grew out of a simple request, Ms Twomey said the response shows there is a huge demand for this kind of event.

She said they hope to put more planning into the event next year in the hope that it could become an annual event, and she urged other charities to try something similar.

People who wish to donate items can do so at Simply Suits, Cinderella’s Closet, or Cork Penny Dinners on Little Hanover St. The charity can also arrange to have items collected.

For further information, call Cork Penny Dinners on 021-4275604.