The concept of Together We Stand is the creation of Rick and Lillian Ekstein of Thornhill, ON. Both are proud first- generation Canadians whose families were victims of the Holocaust. The Eksteins are passionate in their belief that Canada is the best country in the world and are deeply appreciative of the sacrifices members of the military make to preserve our freedom.

To show their appreciation, Rick and Lillian wanted to do something meaningful to thank our Canadian troops. Understanding the importance of family and the emotional strain on spouses and children when troops are deployed, they decided the best way to say thank you was to do something special for the “behind the scenes heroes” – the family members who find themselves separated from their loved ones during the holiday season.

In December 2017, Rick and Lillian provided the families of deployed members of Canada’s Armed Forces with a $50 gift card to say thank you. The reaction was so positive, they decided to continue their commitment and created Together We Stand, a foundation focused on honouring military families in Canada.