The workload of public utilities increases manifold in winter. Despite the frosts and bad weather, thousands of employees go on duty every morning to clear the snow and ice that formed overnight. All this is to ensure we can move safely and comfortably around the city.
In recent weeks of February, many cities in Kazakhstan faced extreme weather conditions: frost, blizzards, and snowstorms. This is a serious challenge for utility workers. Recognizing the significance of their hard work, Nurbank is conducting the 'Sharing Warmth' campaign for the sixth consecutive year. With the onset of cold weather, special coffee trucks with the Nurbank logo travel through the streets of Kazakhstan cities, and bank employees distribute hot drinks and baked goods to utility workers for free. In freezing days, tea, coffee, and aromatic pastries help them take a little break, refresh and warm up. This year, the timely and important 'Sharing Warmth' campaign is being held in 11 major cities of Kazakhstan.
'Among the wide range of our social initiatives, the 'Sharing Warmth' campaign holds a special place. We deeply respect and appreciate the work of all those who make our city streets better and cleaner every day, and we try to support them through the 'Sharing Warmth' project. For over 30 years, Nurbank has not only been providing financial services but has also actively participated in charitable and social initiatives. Throughout its presence in the market, Nurbank has implemented over a thousand charitable programs and major projects of republican and city significance,' notes Chairperson of the Board of JSC Nurbank, Gulnara Musataeva.
Municipal workers appreciate stability and are ready to work in this field for many years. As representatives of public utilities note, despite certain difficulties, their work has many advantages. The most important are a stable and official income, a cohesive and friendly team.
Many utility workers readily share their stories. Farida Abdykhalykova starts preparing for work early in the morning. She lives in the suburbs of Almaty and for several years now has been punctual to her site with her team from eight in the morning.
'I have been working in this field for five years. Initially, it was unusual and difficult, especially in winter. I would like to draw attention to the fact that public utilities help all residents of the city — there are times when we are left alone with the raging elements, literally being on the front line! In the cold season, the Nurbank coffee trucks support us well. Over the years, we have become so used to the Nurbank guys that, seeing these trucks from afar, we immediately try to gather together. A bright coffee truck is a signal for us to take a short break,' shares Farida Abdykhalykova.
Salima Zhumamuratova, an ethnic Kazakh, moved to her historical homeland from Karakalpakstan about 25 years ago. Before joining the public utility, she worked in food production. The work was seasonal, and having learned that Almaty was hiring street cleaners with stable and official pay, she decided to change her field of work. Over seven years, she made her way up from an ordinary janitor to a public utility master. Now, along with her husband, who also works in this field, they bring their team to Almaty from the suburb every morning in a minibus and coordinate their work throughout the day.
'Physically, it's not easy to work in winter when there are several snowy days in a week. Moreover, we often face misunderstanding from drivers who park in unauthorized places, hindering us from making the city cleaner. However, these are working moments. I love my job and plan to continue here as long as possible. Thank you so much to Nurbank for the attention and care they show us,' said Salima Zhumamuratova.
The 'Sharing Warmth' campaign will last until the end of February. Over six years, the campaign has become not only a symbol of care but also an excellent opportunity to express gratitude to the true heroes of our cities for their difficult and highly significant work for society.
JSC Nurbank holds license No. 1.2.15/193 dated February 3, 2020, issued by the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the Regulation and Development of the Financial Market.