Job hunters relish in stylish looks during Great Suit Trade-In event

When Stephen Miller slipped on a grey suit, new shirt and tie, he felt like “a million bucks.”

Miller, 30, was among about 100 men sporting new looks, thanks to the Great Suit Trade-In event outfitting them for job hunting. The Victoria resident is seeking work in communications, a program he is completing through Sheridan College of Oakville, Ont.

“I needed a business suit, an actual suit to interview in,” Miller said. He works part-time, but is seeking full-time work in his field.

A stylist assisted in putting his outfit together. “It fit just fine,” Miller said. “I feel good.”

GT Hiring Solutions, which is contracted by the province to offer Work B.C. programs, and clothing retailer Outlooks for Men, at 534 Yates St., teamed up to gather donations of gently used suits that unemployed men could wear when searching for work.

Outlooks gave customers 20 per cent off a new purchase if a full outfit was donated.

The donation program attracted more than just the store’s regular customers and, in the end, resulted in six full racks of suits and sport coats in a range of sizes. Shirts, ties, belts and shoes were donated as well.

Men registered in advance for the event at Work B.C.’s Gorge Road office. Volunteers were on hand to deal with the crush of enthusiastic patrons. Stylists and tailors from Outlooks and Work B.C. staff were among volunteers.

Men were transformed by the new clothes, said Garth Yoneda, GT’s manager of community relations. Some were so pleased that they kept their new outfits on to wear home. “They were so appreciative that they had been given this opportunity,” Yoneda said.

One man popped into Yoneda’s office Thursday morning to say thank you and said, “I’m feeling very confident today.”

Everyone who showed up left with something, Yoneda said.

Dale Olsen, Outlooks owner, said the donated clothing reflected current styles. A range of sizes was on hand, with many outfits fitting the men just right and not requiring major tailoring. “We were just stunned at how much success we had.”

Some left with high-end clothing, including $2,000 Italian suits and shirts that would have sold used for up to $400 each.

Yoneda is hoping to see a similar event held again in the future.

Dale Olsen, owner of Outlooks for Men downtown, helped to get Stephen Miller into a new suit this week. Olsen gave discounts to customers who brought in gently used suits and then donated the jackets, shirts, pants, shoes and ties to those looking for...