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.

Rick Seymour

Chief Executive Officer
rseymour@twsfoundation.ca

Stephanie Shapiro

Chief Operating Officer
sshapiro@twsfoundation.ca

Brian Rowley

Volunteer Chief Financial Officer
browley@twsfoundation.ca

Eleanor Millar

Volunteer Director of Military & Government Relations
emillar@twsfoundation.ca

Catherine Abji

Executive Assistant to the CEO and COO, and Program Co-ordinator
cabji@twsfoundation.ca

Cailey Ahearn

Account Executive Philanthropy, Corporate & Foundation Giving
cahearn@twsfoundation.ca

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.

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

Dartmouth, NS

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

Lesley Anne Thoms

Barrie, ON

Military spouse

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
Founder Visit

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

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.

Donate today to help TWS grow our impact.

Together We Stand Foundation

Together We Stand

5775 Yonge Street, Suite 601 Toronto, ON M2M 4J1

Contact Us

Email: info@twsfoundation.ca

Phone: +1 416-324-9739

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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.

© Together We Stand Foundation Canada All Rights Reserved 2023