Wed Dec 19, 2012
People

Who was 2012′s biggest mensch?

We picked 54 people (and one horse) who made Toronto better this year. Now, you pick the winner.

For the second annual Mensch Awards (a.k.a. “The Menschies”), The Grid featured 54 people, and one horse, who made Toronto better over the last year, from the masterminds behind the Junction Flea to an Olympic gold-medal winner. You know: mensches.

Now, with the trophy—featuring a twister bagel, that quintessential Toronto creation—up for grabs, it’s your turn to pick our winner.

Until the end of the day on Sunday, January 6, 2013, you can vote below for the Mensch of the Year. You can only vote once, but you can select up to three people you think deserve the title on your ballot, so make it count. And if there’s anyone you think we missed, tell us in the comments, or vote on a fellow commenter’s suggestion by using the thumbs-up or thumbs-down icons alongside their suggestion.

Choose wisely; we’ll tell you who won online and in print on Thursday, January 10, 2013.

Thanks for voting!

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Sabrina Di Marco

Ed Pottinger is definitely an iconic TO Mensch.
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12:58 pm on January 7, 2013

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Dwayne Dixon

Please talley my vote for Ed Pottinger! Thx
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10:15 am on January 7, 2013

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Quincy

Mike Heaton.
He is from my neighbourhood and we need a difference for youth nearby!
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10:58 pm on January 6, 2013

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M.A. LEE

I vote for Ed Potinger.
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10:21 pm on January 6, 2013

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David Foster

Katerina is a fabulous person and art educator.
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9:49 pm on January 6, 2013

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Alexander

I wanted to vote for Ed Pottinger from the Real Jerk but the link to vote seems to be pooched.
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9:40 pm on January 6, 2013

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Ann

Voting for Ed Pottinger
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9:36 pm on January 6, 2013

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Matt

Ed pottinger.
tried to vote but wasn’t able to
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9:15 pm on January 6, 2013

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Anonymous

ed pottinger
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9:05 pm on January 6, 2013

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Anonymous

Ed pottinger!
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8:59 pm on January 6, 2013

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D

Voting for Ed Pottinger
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8:31 pm on January 6, 2013

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Kleanthis Korkodilos

Where’s the link? Want to vote for Ed Pottinger, but cant find an active Vote link!
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7:37 pm on January 6, 2013

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Jessica Weinberg

I went with my class to McMichael art gallery. Katerina was sooooooooo nice to us. She made us really like all the group of seven paintings. She is so kind and nice. She is sooooooo menschy. My vote for sure
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11:50 am on January 6, 2013

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Laura

I think it should be Katerina. Atanassova. She is such a mensch in every sense of the word! She is not political at all and only motivated by her deep love of Canadian art. How menschy is that!
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8:19 am on January 6, 2013

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Michael

Katerina Atanassova – is the best Chief Curator the McMichael gallery has ever had. She is also the men’s chicest – by far. She brought Painting Canada back home and stirred the Nation!
Mensch of the year for sure.
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8:12 am on January 6, 2013

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Rachael

Kristyn Wong Tam, for fighting the good fight at City Hall
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1:18 pm on January 4, 2013

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Angela Tocher

Way to go Taylor! Fundraising is a lot of work but so worthwhile!
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4:40 am on January 1, 2013

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Auntie Moe & Uncle Don

HI TAY & Buddy John:

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ENDEVEAURS, AS I KNOW ONLY TOO WELL HOW MUCH TIME AND HARD WORK THIS REQUIRED. YOU’RE THE BEST TAY ! Keep on plugging and hanging tough as Grandpa would have said.

WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST WITH THIS AWARD.

LOVE AUNTIE MOE & UNCLE DON
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9:57 pm on December 30, 2012

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Roy

Congratulations to all on the list – And there could be lot more added I’m sure. I find it perplexing that not one of the people listed are identified as queer or for working in the queer communities – and Diamond Rings is straight but has queers to thank for building his career. This year saw successes in culture – Video Fag Gallery – GSAs in Catholic Schools, Trans rights fought and won. So congratulations to everyone on the list and everyone not on the list. and to queers who worked hard for the successes and victories of 2012. It was a good year in many ways.
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12:57 pm on December 23, 2012

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Faith McGregor

Adam Chaleff-Freudenthaler, for triggering the downfall of Rob Ford.
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12:53 pm on December 23, 2012

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Rena

Him and/or Paul Magder!
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4:54 pm on December 24, 2012

Bill

Matt Blackett – publisher at Spacing Magazine

&

Jared Kolb – Director of Toronto Cyclists Union

…should both be on the list.
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1:03 pm on December 20, 2012

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MK

RUSH (Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart) – have to be on the list.
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8:10 am on December 20, 2012

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