Who We Are
Together We Stand is truly different
We put family first.
While most military philanthropic organizations focus solely on the Veteran or serving member, Together We Stand recognizes how military life can impact the entire family unit, including military spouses, children, siblings and parents.
We invest in our stakeholders.
Learning is at the heart of Together We Stand. Our team takes the time to travel to military communities across the country, building our knowledge on how each element (Army, Navy, Air Force), rank or geographical location can play a significant role in how military families’ journeys, experiences and hardships can differ. From Esquimalt, to Cold Lake, to Halifax, and everywhere in between, we build personal and grassroots relationships – with each story helping to shape our unique programs and services.
The TWS Military Family Advisory Committee maximizes authentic impact
Consisting of military family members and representing the Navy, Army and Air Force communities, our Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC) serves to guide the development of our programs.
TWS Team
The team at Together We Stand is made up of an incredible group of staff and volunteers, who are passionate about getting military families to the forefront of the hearts and minds of Canadians. This is the team that works hard behind the scenes, listening to the stories of our military families, ensuring that their voices are heard around the country.
Catherine Abji
Executive Assistant to the CEO and COO, and Program Co-ordinator
cabji@twsfoundation.caMilitary Family Advisory Committee (MFAC)
In order to deliver impactful and meaningful programs for military families, Together We Stand formed our Military Family Advisory Committee (MFAC). Comprised of spouses, parents, serving members and veterans representing the Navy, Army and Air Force communities, this group of volunteers are passionate about honouring Canada’s military families.
Chairperson Suzie Fortin
Ottawa, ON
Reservist, spouse, mother, francophone and public servant for three departments
Rebekah Mitchell
Markham, ON
Lifelong learner, professional historian, Veteran spouse and mother of three
Maryanne McGrath
Wainwright, AB
Cadet Instructors Cadre Officer, Air Cadet program
Jessica Berube
Retired Leading Sailor and Military Spouse
Kate Walsh
Ottawa, ON
Military spouse, mother, mental health professional
Eleanor Millar
Toronto, ON
Military spouse, mother, political and community advisor
Kathleen Mills
Calgary, AB
Author, coach, Military spouse
Matt Anderson
Hamilton, ON
Canadian Military Veteran
Meet our Board of Directors
Rick Ekstein
Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board
Howie Kroon
CEO/President, Bodtker Group & CEO/Management Consultant, Sage Business Services
Dennis LeBlanc
Captain (Ret'd), Canadian Army, CD
Alain Parent
Lieutenant-General (Ret'd), Royal Canadian Airforce, CMM, CD
Al Meinzinger
Lieutenant-General (Ret'd), Royal Canadian Airforce, CMM, CD, BA, NA
Duncan Munn
Executive Chair, Elevate Global Insurance Brokers, President, C.D. Howe Institute & Executive Chair of the Elevate Group
John Capobianco
Senior Vice President & Senior Partner FleishmanHillard
Sean McConnell
Agency Development Lead, LinkedIn Canada
Stephanie Shapiro
Chief Operating Officer
Rick Seymour
Chief Executive Officer
About our founders
In 2017, the founders of Together We Stand, Rick and Lillian Ekstein, were in search of a cause that embodied the privileged safeties and securities enjoyed here in Canada. As children of Holocaust survivors, and acutely aware of the horrific experiences their parents endured in their war-torn homelands, they harboured a profound appreciation for residing in a country where the principles of sovereignty, freedom and prosperity were ingrained values.
Giving back to Canada, only seemed right, as Canada had given them a safe haven in which to raise their own families and live without fear. The Canadian Armed Forces men and women represent these safeties and securities that all Canadians are privileged to live. Providing support to Canadian military families is Rick and Lillian’s way of saying thank you to Canada.
Financial Statements
Together We Stand Foundation is incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act as a corporation without share capital. The Foundation is a public foundation registered under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and, as such, is exempt from income taxes and able to issue donation receipts for income tax purposes.
Together We Stand
5775 Yonge Street, Suite 601 Toronto, ON M2M 4J1Our Newsletter
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Charitable Registration no.:
777820085 RR 0001
Canadian tax receipts will be issued for all online donations. For any questions regarding making your online donation or about your tax receipt please contact us.