Fri Oct 17 2008
Two's Company warn singles to be careful
GOLD Coast introduction service Two's Company is encouraging singles to do their due diligence before joining a dating agency, following increasing reports of shonks in the industry.
Two's Company co-founder Tracey Korman said many dating agencies were giving the industry a bad name by doing the wrong thing by people.
"I'm sick and tired of hearing stories of people being lied to and deceived about what they get for their money or who they will meet," Ms Korman said.
These include reports that model's photos are on dating agency sites and singles being encouraged to pay up to $30,000 to join a company for the chance to meet them. When they join, they are told the person (model) is no longer available.
"People need to be aware that if they are going to use a dating service, they should use one that operates under government legislation for their own good."
Two's Company prides itself on its ethical practices. Celebrating its 13th birthday on October 23, 2008, it has seen about 100 weddings result from its connections.
It currently has about 26,000 members Australia wide, aged from 18 to 90, and embraced the Queensland Government legislation for dating agencies, the Introduction Agents Act, which came into effect in February 2003.
"Operating under the legislation, we really do care about our members and don't charge excessive amounts. We take a holistic approach with our clients and give them personal development materials such as poetry, affirmations and tickets to seminars to encourage them to evolve, love and develop themselves," she said.
Two's Company has donated about $13,000 to different charities in the past 13 years, including Guide Dogs for the Blind, World Vision, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Gold Coast Disadvantaged Kids, the Abused Child Trust, Boystown Lotteries and the Endeavour Foundation.
Its office has been in the Gateway Building, 50 Appel St, Surfers Paradise (on level 4) for all that time, which the team now affectionately label the 'gateway to love'.
"It's really rewarding when people find love. I still get a buzz from bringing people together and making them happy. A lot of people we deal with are heart-broken or socially isolated, so we do anything we can to make them feel better."
Two's Company will celebrate its 13th birthday by selling Dating Journal packs for $20 each during October, including dating journals written by Tracey Korman and love heart chocolates. Proceeds will go to the Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The company had a special public celebration stand at the world's 2nd annual Animal Action Day at the Gold Coast Rugby Union Football Club (Eagles) & James Overell Park, Brighton Parade, Southport, on Sunday, October 5, 2008, from 10-4pm.
The free fun family day raised awareness, appreciation and respect for all animals. A total of $500 in proceeds was donated to David Fleay Wildlife Park to go towards endangered species conservation.
For more details, call 5539 8889, 1300 666 448 or visit www.twoscompany.com.au
MEDIA CONTACT ONLY: For Dating Journal Pack giveaways or more details, contact Aldwyn Altuney of AA Xpose Media on (07) 5571 0233, 0409 895 055 or email: aldwyn@aaxpose.com
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