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A new matchmaker in Lake Country is seeking gents over 40 for an upcoming event in May. 

Kristi Reich with Lake Country Speed Dating is working to be the Okanagan’s newest matchmaker starting with her first event today, April 26, at the Lake Country Coffee House, which is already sold out.

Her goal is to host an event every month and expand into the rest of the Okanagan.

“I waited until mask mandates were lifted before launching,” she said.

READ MORE: Pandemic restrictions have not turned off singles looking for love in Kamloops

The second event on May 17 at Norman's Diner is sold out for women looking for love but more men are needed, and with the lifting of pandemic restrictions Reich needs people to help encourage single men over the age of 40 to get out of their houses and join the fun.

“The men are trickling in slowly. “I need to pluck them out of their isolation at home,” she said. "Tell your male friends to register or just do it for them. There are tons of singles sitting at home wanting to find love.”

Reich said the events are respectful and take place in tasteful settings. Events are non-alcoholic and cost $40 to attend. Speed dating allows participants to meet 10 to 16 potential matches for five minutes at a time.

“I haven't done this myself but I know how it works, it will be so fun,” she said. “I hear a lot of people say they have to meet in person to see if the chemistry is there. You are at the mercy of who signs up and we don’t do background checks.”

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“It is set up perfectly with the right amount of tables in one big room, it is brand new,” she said. “There will be breakfast deals at the restaurant the following morning for couples coming in. I will try six different venues and see what works best.”

Reich has experience as a recruiter and restauranteur, and is passionate about making relationships happen. She is currently gathering sponsors and donations.

Participants are anywhere between age 35 and 75, and are organized into two different groups. She's looking forward to hosting events for the LGBTQIA+ communities in the future.

People are encouraged to participate unmasked, and if they want their vaccination status known, there will be an option to include that on the name cards.

For more information go to the Lake Country Speed Dating Facebook group here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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