Supporting each other: the solidarity of Centrico Selir colleagues in the face of the floods in Romania

September was a challenging month for the Galati region in Romania, where Centrico Selir’s office is located, as it was hit by unprecedented flooding caused by Cyclone Boris. Among the many damaged homes were those of some employees, submerged by water with significant harm to the affected families.

In response to this emergency, the Centrico Selir team displayed exceptional solidarity, transforming their team spirit into tangible actions. Equipped with the necessary tools, colleagues worked tirelessly for an entire day to drain water, clean walls, floors, and furniture caked with mud in the affected homes.

Simultaneously, the company launched an internal fundraising campaign to support the urgent needs of the impacted families, doubling the contributions made by employees to provide meaningful aid during a critical time. 

A helping hand, a concrete gesture

“When we learned what was happening, there was no hesitation, we had to act,” says Robitu Alexandra, one of Centrico Selir’s volunteers. “The main motivation was the human connection with our colleagues, whom we’ve known and valued for years, along with the desire to help those in severe difficulty.”

The volunteers quickly organized themselves, tackling not only the practical challenges of draining water and cleaning homes but also the emotional challenge of convincing their colleagues to accept their help. “Sometimes, those who genuinely need assistance are reluctant to receive it,” Alexandra explains.

One especially touching moment occurred when the team saw that most of the families’ possessions were irreparably damaged, furniture destroyed, and appliances rendered useless by the water. “We decided to buy new appliances to replace the damaged ones. Seeing the expression on our colleague’s face when she received the replacements was incredibly moving. It was in that moment that an even deeper bond was formed among us,” Alexandra adds.

An embrace of hope

For Dumitrache Nicoleta, one of the colleagues affected by the flood, the support received was much more than material aid. “When I learned that my colleagues were organizing to help us, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It was incredible to see how much empathy and solidarity surrounded us.”

A particularly touching moment for her was when one of the volunteers hugged her mother, reassuring her that everything would be okay. “That gesture of humanity meant the world to us. It made us feel less alone in a moment when it felt like everything was against us.”

Rebuilding together

Despite the many ongoing challenges, from rebuilding the house to managing financial losses, the support, both material and emotional, has provided a foundation to move forward. “For my family, this assistance meant security and hope, two things we desperately needed,” Nicoleta shares.

For the volunteers, the experience was equally impactful. “We learned how powerful teamwork can be in emergencies,” Alexandra emphasizes. “Together, we can overcome any difficulty. This has made us more united and proud to be part of Centrico Selir.”

A message of gratitude

“I want to thank my colleagues for their empathy and willingness to help,” concludes Nicoleta. “It was a wonderful gesture during an incredibly difficult time and allowed me to see my colleagues in a new perspective: as people willing to make sacrifices to help others. It showed me how important it is to work in an environment where we support one another, not just professionally but personally as well.”

This story demonstrates that in the face of calamities, solidarity and concrete gestures can transform a tragedy into a new opportunity for growth. It is this strength, built on tangible actions and shared humanity, that makes it possible to face any challenge together.

This spirit of community extends beyond a single event, as seen in the smiles of the children at Eureka School. Thanks to Centrico India colleagues, they enjoyed a special Saturday with fun and practical workshops. Initiatives like these prove that volunteering is a universal language, capable of uniting people and leaving a profound impact on both those who give and those who receive.