Donating a Roof to a WWII Veteran in Westport, CT
Challenge
Clayton Chalfant is a 92 year WWII Veteran, who has long shared a quaint home on a cul-de-sac in Westport for 60 years. His roof was at the point of badly needing to be replaced and then was hit by both Hurricane Sandy and Irene, where it sustained even more damage. His children helped with some minor repairs, but ice dams and heavy leaking still persisted. Chalfant attempted to acquire funds from a Veterans Association, however, he was denied.
Klaus Larsen established the Santa Klaus Project for people like Clayton. We had just finished a roof donation to a Veteran in Cheshire who served in Afghanistan, which Project Coordinator Jeremy Minter was discussing in a Starbucks over a phone call. Clayton's granddaughter Christine overheard him, and upon the chance encounter, Clayton Chalfant was considered and then ultimately chosen to receive a free roof as part of the Santa Klaus Project.
Jeremy, himself, visited the home to find exactly what was faulty in the roof, and determine what the best way to replace it would be. After the proper measurements were taken, Clayton's roof was scheduled for Veteran's Day Weekend.
Solution
Word spread quickly about the project, and soon the Westport Fire Department signed on to help with clean-up and provide food for all involved.
The tear off commenced at daybreak, with the WFP hauling away all debris into a container, which was eventually brought to be recycled into asphalt road pavement. We replaced a leaking skylight with a new fixed Velux skylight, and installed all new vents and boots. Any rotted plywood was replaced and a full Owens Corning Life Time Roofing System was installed, with all new lead chimney flashing.
Members of the community, Clayton's family, Owens Corning, Klaus Larsen and various media outlets were present, with everyone lending a hand. Whether it was pushing a wheelbarrow of shingles or picking up nails, everyone pitched in. The Westport Town Selectman came to present Clayton an award, and a Declaration of 'Clayton Chalfant Day.' The story made the evening news of three different major networks and was written about in a bevy of newspapers.
Though Clayton's home is now protected by a Lifetime Roofing system, it is the memory of the day itself that will endure as a milestone in our company timeline.
