Springfield staff support community in snowy conditions
8th January 2025
With temperatures below freezing and heavy snowfall across Moray, the conditions are causing many members of the community to be trapped in their homes.
Two good Samaritans in Elgin have taken to Facebook, encouraging locals who many need support to clear driveways or pavements to get in touch. Daniel Craib and Paul Sinclair who both work as bricklayers building homes for Springfield Properties. When temperatures are this low, they are unable to work and are keen to use their time to help those who may need help given the weather conditions.
On Facebook, Daniel shared:
“Another lovely day. As myself and Paul Sinclair are brickies and not able to work today, we would rather help out than sit about so if anyone knows of any elderly or disabled people that are stuck or needing any help because of the weather let us know and we will try and help out any way we can. We will be heading out in about an hour after grabbing our snow shovels, barrow’s and some grit. Anyone else sitting about in the Moray area should do the same and we can start making a difference around here.”
The pair have been inundated with responses from the community with 150 reactions, 99 shares and 40 comments from those applauding their actions.
The duo added:
“The weather has prevented us from doing our normal jobs, and that can be challenging for anyone but also specifically for men who can struggle with their mental health when they feel isolated without a purpose. Our aim was not to get praise, but to support ourselves keeping active mentally and physically, while offering support for a good cause to the Moray community.
“We want to empower and encourage others to join us or reach out to us for a chat if they are struggling and looking for support.
“We spent most of yesterday helping gritting primary roads and the people who we saw struggling we believe this is because people are scared to ask for help. We want to change this and display that it’s ok to ask for help – we are all only humans and together we can make positive changes to our own communities in Moray.”
Springfield Group HR Manager, Diane Kemp, saw the post on Facebook and said:
“I am so proud that we have thoughtful employees who are keen to help others and make a difference in their community. It can be challenging for many when the weather is adverse and it’s touching to see Daniel and Paul, who are unable to work because of the weather, take this as an opportunity to help others. At Springfield, we have programmes in place to celebrate employees and members of the community who go above and beyond, and, for their community spirit and proactive attitudes, Daniel and Paul will be nominated for recognition.”