#meetourbest

[wearetoronto-blog]

RACHEL PARENT // GMO ACTIVIST

A school assignment that involved a speech on a topic of interest led Rachel to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). She chose her subject because they affected so many lives – kids, adults, bees, the entire earth – and won an award for her efforts. But she didn’t stop there. As founder of Kids Right To Know she volunteers, speaks publicly and continues to raise awareness on the negative effects GMOs have on our own health and the well-being of the planet. She’s 14. Ahem. 

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SHAH FRANCO // DIRECTOR, INNERCITY MMA

“Professor” Shah Franco is a mixed martial arts athlete in his own right – he’s a Karate World Title holder and a Kru Muay Thai and Kumite champion – plus a highly lauded coach. He’s trained and cornered several UFC fighters and is the highest ranked Brazilian Jiu Jitsu trainer in Canada. But as director of Innercity MMA he is best known for his work with youth and young kids, as a mentor and provider of a fun, safe and valuable learning experience. We think that kicks some ass. 

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CATHY CROWE // STREET NURSE

Cathy, nurse and founder of the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee, has been pursuing the issue of homelessness and its health and society related effects since she first began her nursing career in 1972. She is tireless in her efforts yet has still found the time to write a book “Dying For A Home” as well as being the subject of more than one documentary film. Still, the only title she wishes is “street nurse” coined by a homeless man at Sherbourne and Dundas more than 20 years ago. 

[wearetoronto-blog]

TEDDY FURY // BARTENDER, THE LEGENDARY HORSESHOE TAVERN

When Teddy was nominated, it was written in the submission that he has been "the fly on the wall of the house of rock and roll". We loved that. And it's true. Teddy has been handing over drinks at the Horseshoe for over 25 years. He has seen everyone from The Rolling Stones to The Ramones. He is known for being a source of support for countless local and touring bands that have come through, and sometimes one of the first faces of Canada for international acts. Can we suggest that next time you find yourself buying a 50 off of Teddy, that you buy him one too?  

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DR. CATHERINE ZAHN // PRESIDENT + CEO, CENTRE FOR ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH (CAMH)

CAMH is Canada’s leading hospital for mental health. Under the helm of Dr. Zahn, a practicing neurologist, CAMH has been at the forefront of not just care, but ending prejudice and misapprehensions surrounding mental illness. Known to all as a bold visionary, Catherine is dedicated to changing systems where mental health takes the backseat to other health care. Click here to watch her inspiring TED talk.

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FRANK YANG // FOUNDER, CHROMEWAVES

Frank first launched Chromewaves,, one of Toronto's leading music blogs, back in 2002. It exclusively explores the kind of music he's into versus the taste du jour. As such, it has a certain Frank Yang flavour that can be recognized by regular readers. And after ten years, Frank is still very active. He is often spotted at Toronto venues checking out bands firsthand, and produces an enormous amount of original content for his fans on the regular.  

[wearetoronto-blog]

BRIAN GOODMAN // FORMER CHAIR, CANADIAN IMMIGRATION REFUGEE BOARD

Living in one of the most diverse cities in the world, the late Brian Goodman spent the bulk of his career shaping refugee law and policy in Canada through a variety of roles culminating in his Chairmanship at the board.  Walking the city streets it’s amazing to see the diversity he helped establish, and that makes Toronto a leading light in a rapidly globalizing world.

[wearetoronto-blog]

JON ROTH // OWNER, CROWS NEST BARBERSHOP

We all know that the resurgence of the barbershop and classic cuts is now fully realized. But it took people like Jon to make that happen. He opened the doors to Crows Nest in Kensington Market back in 2010. It is now commonly cited as one of the best places in Canada to get a cut. But the attraction goes beyond fades. From the charm, class, DIY aesthetic and tattoos, it has to be one of the coolest places to hang out. So, when was the last time you had a straight shave?