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Amazing Brace

CARS CARRYING PASSENGERS in western clothing were part of the Amazing Brace on Sept. 9.
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CARS CARRYING PASSENGERS in western clothing were part of the Amazing Brace on Sept. 9.

Who were those folks cruising around the Comox Valley on Sept. 9 dressed in western garb?

They were participants in a fundraising car rally — the Amazing Brace organized by Shoreline Orthodontics.

For 13 years Dr. Paul Helpard sponsored the Tin Grin Cup, a day of fun and education for the dental communities of Campbell River, Powell River and the Comox Valley that raised funds for children's charities.

For 2011, the decision was made to switch to a car rally, and organizers say it was a good decision.

"The event went fabulously," said Kathy Campbell, community liaison for Shoreline Orthodontics. "The teams had so much fun."

Although they were still tallying the proceeds, at press time the Amazing Brace had raised $12,000 for the Comox Valley Child Development Association and $1,600 for Campbell River Sunrise Resources.

Twenty-five teams participated in the event. They started together at the Courtenay and District Fish and Game club, attending a lecture and building a hobby horse before tackling a team obstacle course.

They then headed out to different locations around the Valley, including Scotiabank where there was calf roping on front step and tours to the vault upon delivery of a secret code. The rally wrapped up back at the fish and game club at Comox Lake.

"The Amazing Brace replaces the very successful Tin Grin Cup which was held for 13 years from 1998 to 2010," Campbell noted. "Dr. Helpard sponsors an annual event as a way to bring together the dental community to fundraise for children’s charities. In addition attendees at the event participate in continuing education lectures or practical sessions that  provide them with information and skills for patient treatment," Campbell said.

"This year’s Amazing Brace had a western theme. People running around town dressed in western clothing (was) your clue that you encountered this group doing what they do best, helping others."

— Shoreline Orthodontics