The Ultimate Singles Social Club brings speed dating to Kelowna on March 28.
“This is a great way to meet all these new people,” said Guy Bailey, event coordinator for the club. There have been a variety of social and recreational events since it started just over two years ago.
The speed dating event is limited to 12 to 15 men and the same number of women, who spend seven minutes with each other, then mark who they would like to give their contact information.
There is a social afterwards for everyone to get to know each other in a less rushed way.
The next morning, Bailey goes through the responses, ladies first, and gives out information only with the participants’ consent. “Then it’s up to them. I suggest a coffee date for a start,” he said.
Helping people find love is a labour of love for Bailey, whose day job is forestry consultant.
“People say they want to meet someone but it’s too hard. I say, ‘Come out to speed dating and make some new friends, maybe that special one.’ I find that people make other friendships with people who share their interests as well,” said Bailey.
“People tell me they’re so grateful for the events because they go out and try things they would never do on their own. They bring their friends, and with 288 members there is always someone new to meet.”
The Ultimate Singles Club is based in Vernon but is making the effort to branch into Kelowna with this first speed dating event.
In Vernon Bailey has organized many different activities which are arranged by age groups. He’s had movie nights, wine tours, walking, bowling, curling day and overnight trips, paddle boarding, cooking classes, beach volleyball and pub nights, all in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
“I like seeing people come for the first time and maybe they’re hesitant but they increase in self esteem and start to enjoy themselves. I think attitudes to things like singles clubs and speed dating and wanting companionship at any age havechanged a lot,” said Bailey.
“Sometimes people come out of longterm relationships and they’re afraid they’ll be single for the rest of their lives. I tell them that’s their choice but they are the only ones who can take that first step to go out.”
Bailey has attended speed dating events as a participant in other centres so he knows what it’s like.
“You’ve got only seven minutes and you can get through that and if you want to talk more to someone, there’s the social event afterwards. We have to break our patterns and try something different to have something new happen and have anew life. It’s all possible.”
The location is told only to ticket holders.
Speed Dating in Kelowna is Saturday, March 28, 6 p.m. for singles aged 40 to 55. Advance tickets are $35/person by calling 250-938-4412 or www.meetup.com.
