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Magic Wand lends free prom dresses, tuxes for grad

With about 100 dresses and another 40 tuxedos, the Magic Wand Project plays an important role for graduating high schoolers every year.
10923938_web1_Magic-Wand

With about 100 dresses and another 40 tuxedos, the Magic Wand Project plays an important role for graduating high schoolers every year.

Magic Wand organizer Elizabeth Surerus, of Cordova Bay, has made the dresses and tuxedos available to students in Greater Victoria for 16 years, all for the minimal cost of drycleaning. The garments are all in like-new condition.

However, this year, the phone hasn’t been ringing as often as it usually is at this time of year. Posters are placed around local schools and the website has been shared in places students should be able to see it.

“It’s a shame for girls to pay $300 to $400 for a new dress if they don’t need to,” Surerus said. “I have parents calling but not kids. I know that kids don’t want to identify with being needy, but this is for anyone, everyone is eligible, we have enough outfits to meet the demand [based on previous years].”

Surerus stores the outfits locally and the initiative is well supported with regular donations.

“I can’t take any more donations right now, I just don’t have the space,” said Surerus, adding the dresses and tuxedos are quite modern and are barely worn.

Surerus started Magic Wand when she heard of students missing their graduation proms because they couldn’t afford the dress or a tux.

“No one should miss grad because of that,” Surerus said.

Magic Wand also offers shoes and accessories while the men’s tuxedo selection includes a variety of suits, some with pinstripes, tails, and other unique styles.

Surerus can be contacted by phone at 250-658-0246 or email at esurerus@telus.net.