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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
Lifestyle
Brian Dillon & Karen Morgan

Dublin woman provides free communion dresses to families who can't afford them

Theresa Kelly from Edenmore has made it her mission to bring communion dresses and suits to local families who aren't in a position to buy them.

Her shop, Special Occasions, receives donations which Theresa then provides to families who might not be able to afford them.

Last month, Theresa hosted a fashion show for the dresses and suits that had been donated to her. Taking place on a sunny day in the sensory garden on Springdale Road in Edenmore, rows of proud young kids donned the dresses and suits from Special Occasions.

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Speaking to Dublin Live at the event, Theresa explained what Special Occasions is all about and why she thinks its an important thing to be done for families who might not be in a position to pay for new communion outfits.

9 year old Ella at the Special Occasions fashion show in Edenmore (Karen Morgan)

She said: "The idea behind today is to showcase all of the dresses that have been donated to Special Occasions. 90% are brand new but because our shop was closed for regeneration, this was the best way to show them off.

"We will continue to look after people and families who need dresses.

"All of the dresses are free. All we want to do is give you and your family a good day. Say yes to the dress and goodbye to the stress."

Special Occasions Fashion Show (Karen Morgan)

Although Theresa provides these communion dresses and suits free of charge, her shop, which is closed for the time being, is organised in a way that gives kids the full shopping experience as if they were buying new outfits.

Anyone wanting to donate a dress, suit or garment to Special Occasions can organise to do so by sending a message to the shop's Facebook page.

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