High school graduation ceremonies can be a financial drain on parents, but there’s at least one way to ease the burden.
The Magic Wand is a not-for-profit grad attire rental service that allows students anywhere in Greater Victoria to borrow a dress or tuxedo, shoes and accessories from a large inventory without a rental charge. (There is, however, a $30 cleaning fee collected.)
Elizabeth Surerus has outfitted some 50 to 60 students annually from her Cordova Bay home for the last eight years. It was a project she began after she saw similar work done on the mainland and recognized a local need. Originally only offered to those suffering from financial hardship, The Magic Wand is now open to anyone interested in cutting costs and foregoing the purchase of what often becomes one-time wear clothing.
“I’m so afraid that people will go out and pay $300 to $400 for a dress when they don’t need to,” Surerus said.
Surerus hosts a boutique weekend March 17 and 18 to outfit students in grad gear and arrange any necessary alterations, a part of the service which is also offered free of charge thanks to volunteers.
For more information, or to book an appointment, contact Surerus at 250-658-0246.
nnorth@saanichnews.com
