High school grads in Greater Victoria need to know there is another option for prom dresses and tuxedos.
“Our motto is why buy when you can borrow,” says Magic Wand founder Elizabeth Surerus of Saanich.
The Magic Wand Project is in its 15th year and has more than 100 dresses and more than 40 tuxedos. All of them are gently used.
Initially it was developed for students with financial difficulties. The only cost to students is a minimal charge for dry-cleaning.
As the project gained exposure over the years though, students began jumping on board for different reasons. Now Surerus has opened it up to all students, regardless of their financial situation.
“It’s for anyone graduating so they don’t have to spend so much,” Surerus says. “Anybody who wants to save money and use it for something else, maybe their education or a donation to a cause.”
The dresses and tuxes are donated to Magic Wand like new, and it offers all the necessary shoes and accessories. The tuxedo selection also includes suits, and boasts some with pinstripes, tails, and even a few dapper white jackets.
Anyone interested in borrowing an outfit from the Magic Wand can book a private appointment with Surerus, a former teacher and counsellor. In the past Surerus hosted a one day boutique event open to all comers but she’s unable to offer that this year.
With a growing inventory of garments the Magic Wand is hoping someone in the community can donate a large room to house the dresses and tuxedos.
For more information, visit themagicwandproject.ca, search Magic Wand Project Victoria on Facebook, or to book an appointment, call Surerus at 250-658-0246, or email esurerus@telus.net.
reporter@saanichnews.com