Together We Stand is the creation of Rick and Lillian Ekstein of Thornhill, ON. 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. After a 40 year career in the lumber industry, Rick and Lillian decided it was time to give back to the country that had been so good to them – identifying the Canadian Armed Forces as the most respected industry in Canada.
Within the military philanthropic landscape, Rick and Lillian came to realize that there are a number of organizations that focus on the serving member or veteran, but very few – if any – that emphasize the family at home. Mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers… these families are the strength behind the uniform, keeping things running on the home front, so their loved ones can focus on being effective and efficient in the line of duty.
“We started Together We Stand to say THANK YOU to Canada; To say thank you for letting our parents into the country, to say thank you for letting us build a business that would prosper, and thank you for allowing our children to grow up where they are free to practice their religion in safety and without fear.
One of the many reasons that Canada is the greatest country in the world is because we have a military willing to do whatever it takes to ensure our freedoms and security. And THEY in turn, have families who are willing to support them – bravely facing the challenges that are thrown at them on a daily basis.
Supporting Canadian Military families is OUR way of saying thank you to Canada”.
– Rick Ekstein