Two West Belfast sisters have said they are "absolutely buzzing" to have found a space to host a small shop that will allow families to pick out free Communion outfits for their children, to help with the cost-of-living crisis.
Julieann McNally and Nicky Scott started sourcing Communion outfits through donations and approached Belfast Live in January of this year to get the word out that they were looking for a shop to host families that needed the service.
Last week, a kind-hearted gesture from the Adventures Day Nursery in Andersonstown meant that the sisters had found a home for the ambitious community project.
Read more: West Belfast sisters in Communion clothes donations and fitting room drive
"We're absolutely buzzing - I think the whole idea was in finding a space like this as well was to create a space where kids could come in by booking an appointment almost," said Julieann.
"They'll be on their own with mum or dad or whomever wants to come with them, they'll have this space to themselves.
"They can look through the stuff that's here, they can have that experience without having to go to the shop, and mum or dad or the family to be out the expense."
The special shop has been set up in a room in the nursery, which will open late at 6.15pm for individual appointments for families to come in and avail of the donated outfits, with fittings only available via appointment.
It will open for its first appointment on 12 March.
Those interested have been asked not to contact the nursery itself but to use the contact details at the bottom of this article.
Julieann's sister Nicky Scott was the one who came up with the idea and she said she was delighted to see it come to fruition.
"Originally I thought of this idea after Christmas, because I said to Julieann, you see appeals every year at Christmas time but this year it was shocking the people that needed help," she said.
"The idea came after that, to try and just help as many people as possible.
"I didn't think it would have went as big as it has to be honest, but we're glad to be in and just can't wait to get the kids in and get it all going."
The hero of the hour was Maria McDonagh, the owner and manager at the Adventures Day Nursery on the Glen Road, who said she felt compelled to become involved after hearing about the story.
"It was the article in Belfast Live, I get up in the morning and read all the articles that come up overnight and spotted this one and thought it would be a fantastic way to be more a part of the community," she said.
"Every child really deserves to have that special day.
"Because it's their Frist Communion, I know outfits are so expensive, I've two children myself and I know the expense it costs parents.
"Obviously now with the credit crisis, I just thought this would be a lovely way for us to get involved with a project that's going to help the community.
"So I reached out to the girls and said we would love to help in any way we can, so we're going to host anyone who wants to come and visit our First Communion shop and try on their wee outfits."
Julieann said they had been blown away by people's generosity and the interest in the project.
"We've had parcels sent to us to the house, we've had people reach out to us from as far as Randalstown, as far down as Derry, it's been absolutely amazing," she said.
"For everybody that's donating, they've said the same thing - that they just hope whatever they're donating, whether it's for a girl or a boy, they just hope another little girl gets as much enjoyment out of it as their daughter did or their son did, so it's been lovely.
"It's a really nice feel-good initiative and given that it's putting the kids at the heart of it, you can't go wrong."
Nicky added that they have taken great care to ensure that the outfits are spick and span and that some of them have never even been worn.
"Anything that does need dry-cleaned will be, there's nothing that will be given out that won't be up to standard," she added.
"You're not only talking the dresses, you've veils and tiaras and hopefully whoever does need it, when they do come, they'll leave with everything that they need, they'll not want for anything."
Maria said that there should be something for everyone who needs to avail of the service and it will all be done with the privacy of families in mind.
"There are fabulous outfits for boys and girls, and a whole big range of sizes as well so there is bound to be something that fits a child out there who would like the experience.
"It's just one family at a time, so there's no embarrassment, they're coming to our shop and their child is welcome to try on.
"There's lovely mirrors for them to twirl around and see how pretty they look or the boys for trying their wee suits on.
"It is a lovely experience for any child to be able to go and do that with their parents so we just hope they enjoy coming to here."
For anyone wishing to get in touch with either donations or to avail of the service, they are asked to contact Julieann on 07548 669623.
READ NEXT:
- Story of Northern Irish housing crisis to be told in powerful production led by young people
- West Belfast councillor calls for 'overhaul of eyesore alleyways'
- West Belfast footballer helping others struggling with gambling addiction
- Construction begins at sites of new homes in East and West Belfast
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
