Bag a dress from a Cork Rose at pre-loved charity dress sale

A former Cork Rose is spearheading an event to raise funds for an Irish charity working in Kenya, and she’s persuaded some of her fellow Roses to get onboard.

Jenny Byrne, the 2022 Cork Rose, who is also studying a PHD in International Development, is organising ‘Bring a Dress, Buy a Dress’ which looks set to be a fun event, where everyone’s a winner.

A long-time lover of pre-loved clothes, Jenny says they formed a huge part of her Rose of Tralee wardrobe, and she is urging people to think ‘second-hand’ in a bid to help the circular economy and aid sustainability, as well as raising much- needed funds for Brighter Communities Worldwide, a charity based in East Cork where she works.

“Brighter Communities World is a superb charity. It works in partnership with local communities in Kenya, creating sustainable and lasting change through education, health, and economic empowerment initiatives.  Its unique model of working has paid dividends, making real improvements to the quality of life that people can enjoy,” said Jenny.

The 28-year-old made a conscious effort to include some second-hand pieces in her Rose wardrobe, and these ultimately became some of her favourite outfits.

I sourced occasion dresses and ball gowns from local charity shops, and borrowed what I could from friends.

“During the Rose of Tralee Festival, many of us also swapped outfits and shared accessories, creating our own little sustainable community,” she said.

Despite all her efforts, Jenny still has many gowns left over from the festival, which she’ll be donating to the event which will take place on September 28 at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh.

“By doing this, we are not only saving beautiful dresses from landfill, but also supporting a really good cause, international development work at Brighter Communities World,” she said.

As a passionate advocate for sustainable development and community empowerment, Jennifer is almost finished her PhD in international development, where she worked with women with physical disabilities in Cambodia and Rwanda.

As part of her research, she spent three months in each country to understand the women’s needs when it came to education and employment, and establish how NGOs can better engage with them.

They all would have experienced routine discrimination, on a similar scale to here, where they’d be overlooked for jobs, and their capabilities underestimated.

Jenny hopes to use her research to bring about change and give a voice to these women, and said she’s already had great buy in from NGOs and other Irish charities.

She admits it’s a ‘lofty ambition’, but she is committed to using her research to implement progress.

In the meantime, it’s full steam ahead to organise the fundraiser with past and present Roses either attending in person, or donating gowns.

“I have always loved dressing up, ever since I was a little girl. Even now, any chance I have to don a ball gown, I will grab with both hands. I’m so looking forward to the event and people will have the opportunity to show off their fabulous frocks at our Kenya Ball on November 30, one of the highlights of the Cork social calendar.

“The Buy a Dress, Bring a Dress is not just about finding a beautiful dress; it’s about coming together as a community to support a cause that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Anyone wishing to donate a gown can drop to the charity’s Cobh office before the event, which takes place on Saturday, September 28. It runs from 11am -1pm; €5 entry fee (covers tea/coffee and canapés on arrival, entry into raffle, live music, and free hair and make-up demos); all dresses priced €20-€50.