"Lao Lee, come on, don't be late for the group date or your ideal girl will already be snapped up!"

It was an everyday afternoon in a Beichuan village, but on this particular day the earthquake-stricken community was bustling with noise and excitement. A group dating-session was to be held by the local Women's Federation, with the aim of tying the knot between people who lost their loved ones during the May 12 earthquake last year.

A group dating-session was held recently in a Beichuan village, with the aim of tying the knot between people who lost their loved ones in the quake. [Scol.com.cn]

When Lao Lee arrived, the scene was already crowded with spectators and participants all around, every one of them dressed up to the nines.

The session consisted of both a talent show and a series of interactive games, in which men and women participated actively and had the chance to catch the eye of their Mr. or Miss Right.

"Although the earthquake destroyed our homes, I'm grateful that we haven't been forgotten or abandoned by the society. It was very considerate of local officials to set up this kind of session for us," said a man named Yang Mingyun, one of the lucky guys who was struck by Cupid's arrow during the event.

Many others also found their dream girl or Prince Charming in the course of the afternoon, and at the end of the session they collected each other's contact information to progress the relationship.

"We have further plans for similar activities elsewhere," said Shang Xingqiong, president of the local Women's Federation. "We'll do everything we can for the victims to build up their confidence and faith in a new life."

(China.org.cn by Zheng Xin, March 5, 2009)