McRuer said the models picking out outfits, particularly the younger ones, were very enthusiastic. Some kids wore Halloween costumes, which Cameron said gave them a little more swagger.
It was a success for the GIFT ladies, as they were raising money for the recent work on the stained glass window at the church. Fashion shows were held in the past, but this was the first time for the great space in the upstairs of the Community Centre.
Cameron said they were able to collect about $2,000 for the project from the show and raffle, adding the GIFT group was very happy with the result. As well, Snazzy Seconds was able to sell items after at their store in the downstairs of the complex, so this helped them as well.
They have always been impressed with the generosity of the public in their donations to the thrift shop and their quality.
“It’s amazing, it’s name brand stuff,” McRuer said, adding they often will exempt certain items from their regular bag sales as the quality is too high. “There are appliances that have maybe never been used or lightly used. People have really donated so much and such great stuff.”
Some of the exceptional items are highlighted on their website. Cameron said the site saved them during COVID, when they could not open in a regular manner, and it since has become a real bonus.
Occasionally, when their brand new bin is over filled with donations, they have had to call for a breather, telling people to take a break from their generosity. Cameron said this often happens when they are changing seasons. They need time to clear shelves and racks, and need the space. This is particularly true at Christmas, when they put out their seasonal items.
When they are overloaded with items, they have donated to other groups in the cities. Places like Samaritan House benefit from what might be excess here, or maternity or baby clothes could be a major help at the Pregnancy Crisis Centre.
“If you can spread a little goodness, that’s what you do,” Cameron said.
Snazzy Seconds accepts donations and sells items of an amazing variety. There are clothes for adults and children of all types and all seasons – from swimsuits to winter coats and boots. Small household appliances, suitcases, books, CDs, toys, puzzles, playpens, walkers, antiques. Almost anything can be found there at beyond reasonable prices.
They have now been in the basement of the Community Centre since the fall of 2023. It took a lot of work to move items over, but they had a lot of help, including from school students. It was a larger space, and when Deloraine thrift store closed, they picked up racks from there. Also, Pringle’s Men’s Wear has been letting them use racks when they have been changing their displays.
One of the newer arrivals was a washing machine and dryer. Cameron said if items were coming in with stains, people were taking them home to be washed. Turtle Mountain Appliances had a used set, and it was moved over and hooked up. It has taken some pressure off the volunteers’ own machines.
Cameron said Snazzy Seconds is sponsored by the United Church and money raised goes back there. However, it is really a community store and volunteers come from all of Boissevain. There are more than 30 of them now, and they are still looking for more. They like to have three people at the store when it is open.
They are open to holding another fashion show at some point in the future, and as long as the volunteer base holds out, Snazzy Seconds will continue onward. They know they are doing a community service, helping people with lower cost but quality items, and keeping things out of the landfill site. McRuer said they are obviously not having any trouble getting donations, and Cameron has heard there are new people looking to volunteer soon. The popularity continues unabated.
“It’s unbelievable,” Cameron said. “We have people from Brandon who will come to the Sawmill for lunch, so they can be here to come to Snazzy. There are regulars who come from Killarney. They will go to the bakery so they can visit Snazzy in the afternoon. It’s really popular.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff