Giving Tuesday

Together We Stand - Major Fundraising Initiative: Giving Tuesday, November 21-28

As you may or may not know, I am the co-founder of the Together We Stand Foundation. My wife, Lillian and I founded Together We Stand to honour the families of Canada’s armed forces.

As a first-generation Canadian whose parents survived the horrors of the Holocaust, Lillian and I are so thankful that Canada has provided a home for us to not only survive but thrive. It is not lost on me that many of these privileges are protected by our men and women in uniform and their families who serve beside them.

Military families serve this country with pride… but with their service comes sacrifice; moving to new provinces and communities every two years, isolation from family support, lack of available housing and childcare, and significant unemployment for spouses. The emotional and financial toll military life can have on a family is significant.

“Military chaplains are seeing an increasing number of soldiers, sailors and aircrew who?—?squeezed by the high cost of living and stuck in a system that forces them to relocate — are in financial distress and seeking assistance.” This is what Murray Brewster wrote as part of a recent article published by CBC, referencing Together We Stand specifically as an organization that the Canadian Armed Forces turns to for assistance.

"The past six months have been very difficult for many CAF members and their families as they struggle to find a way forward through the economic, social and cultural realities and changes that are confronting all Canadians in these uncertain times," said Brigadier-General, Guy Bélisle.

Tuesday, November 28th is known as “Giving Tuesday”, an international day of giving dedicated to charity work. This year, Together We Stand will focus our Giving Tuesday efforts on raising money for one of our most significant programs, Operation Emergency Fund. This program was established in 2021 to assist Canada’s military families in times when they find themselves most vulnerable – focusing on the areas of emergency housing, emergency childcare, critical mental health services and food security.

Since its inception, we have distributed over $280,000, assisting more than 600 military families across the country. 43% of our funding has been utilized to assist families experiencing food security issues.

Today I am personally contacting you to help me achieve my goal of raising $25,000 for Operation Emergency Fund.

Beginning Tuesday, November 21st through Tuesday, November 28th, every donation received will be matched up to $15,000 through the generosity of a private donor. This means your donation this week will have double the impact. A donation of $25 will put $50 into the hands of a family needing groceries – AND you’ll receive a tax receipt. Should you wish to learn more about Together We Stand’s Emergency Fund, I’ve attached an impact document for your review. CLICK HERE TO DONATE $25 TODAY.

I am reaching out because this cause is near and dear to my heart. Canada’s men and women in uniform spend their lives protecting our families – be it domestically or abroad. This is an opportunity to protect theirs in return.

With deep gratitude,

Rick & Lillian

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