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 take the time to listen.
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.
Military 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.
Suzie Fortin - Chairperson
Ottawa, ON
Chairperson for MFAC, veteran from Naval Reserve, Military Spouse, mother and public servant
Rebekah Mitchell
Markham, ON
Lifelong learner, professional historian, Veteran spouse and mother of three
Maryanne King
Wainwright, AB
Cadet Instructors Cadre Officer and Military Spouse. Passionate about building milspouse communities, representing the millennial & NCM perspective, and encouraging spouses to realize their full potential through the experiences of military life.
Jessica Bérubé
Dartmouth, NS
Retired Leading Sailor and Military Spouse
Kate Walsh
Ottawa, ON
Military spouse, mother, social services professional
Eleanor Millar
Toronto, ON
Military spouse, mother, political and community advisor
Kathleen Mills
Calgary, AB
Executive Coach, Author, Retired Military Spouse, Military family advocate and TWS advisor
Leslie-Anne Thoms
Barrie, ON
Military spouse
Nicole Johnson
Stratford, ON
Military spouse and mother, healthcare executive.
Margaret Mackenzie
NS
Passionate CAF/Veteran spouse with 35 years experience, 14 moves and more than 200 weeks of family separation. CDS Distinguished Service and Liz Hoffman Commendations recipient for a career of defense community support.
Barbara Lapointe
MNCNE Szczecin, Poland
Military mother and spouse, entrepreneur and national sports coach.
Christine Zubrinic
Winnipeg, MB
Military Spouse, mother, information sherpa and writer.
Jennifer Paul
Colorado Springs, CO USA
Military Spouse, mother, Organizational/Individual Coach, Business Owner, Commander Key Support Liaison.
James Heer
Ottawa, ON
Military Spouse, father, Industrial Sales Professional.
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
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.