Strength in Support: Elite Roofing Champions Education for CAF Families “Military families face challenges most of us take for granted, frequent moves, long deployments, and the pressure of doing it all at once. Supporting their education helps ease that burden.” Elite Roofing has proudly supported the Support Our Troops Scholarship Program for several years, helping to remove financial barriers for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families pursuing post‑secondary education. While the company’s journey with Support Our Troops began through another program focused on families facing urgent hardship, Howard says the shift toward education funding felt like a natural and meaningful evolution. “We want to help those who help us,” he explains. “The Canadian Armed Forces allow us to live in a free and democratic country and keep us safe. It’s our responsibility to support them, and their families, in achieving their goals.” Through years of involvement with Support Our Troops, including conversations with scholarship recipients, Howard has gained a deep appreciation for the unique challenges military families face. “Moving from place to place, growing up with a parent deployed overseas, long periods of absence, these are realities most of us don’t have to think about,” he says. “Often the spouse is carrying two roles at once, and the children are constantly starting over.” Balancing these pressures alongside post‑secondary education can be overwhelming. Howard believes scholarships can play a crucial role in helping students stay the course. “Financial stress on top of everything else can be enough to cause someone to step away from their education,” he says. “And yet, the resilience of these students is incredible.” Elite Roofing’s commitment to giving back is grounded in deeply held personal and cultural values. Howard credits his Jewish heritage for shaping his understanding of philanthropy from a young age. “We’re taught that giving back to the community is an obligation,” he explains. “It’s ingrained in how we were raised, from our parents and grandparents, that this is simply what you do.” That philosophy shapes how Howard approaches philanthropy today. He believes the highest form of giving prioritizes the dignity of the recipient rather than recognition of the donor. When asked what he would say to other business leaders considering supporting the program, Howard doesn’t hesitate: “Jump in,” he says. “Don’t dip your toe in the water, jump right in. The need is great, and while the program is growing, it could and should be so much bigger.” As Elite Roofing continues its partnership with Support Our Troops, Howard remains inspired by the strength, resilience, and determination of CAF families, and hopeful that more Canadians will step forward to support them. “These students inspire me every time,” he says. “And if we can help in even a small way, then it’s absolutely worth doing.”