In a heartwarming act of generosity, prominent entrepreneur Tursengali Alaguzov has secured housing to his long-serving employees, many of whom had never owned a home before.

The recipients include janitors, loaders, drivers, security personnel, and technical staff — people who have worked loyally for more than a decade, often since the founding of his company, but lacked the money to secure their own housing.

Alaguzov, founder of GALANZ bottlers – a significant player on the market of nonalcoholic beverages and food in Central Asia, surprised his employees during a ceremony in Almaty, where they were invited under the pretense of receiving certificates of recognition, according to a Radio Liberty Kazakhstan report.

Instead, they were stunned to hear the announcement: “Each of you is getting an apartment!”

Tears and applause filled the room as names were called and housing certificates were awarded.

Among those moved to tears was Kulmayra Bukirova (pictured above), a cleaner who has worked with the company for more than 15 years and still shares a small rented room with six family members. “This was my dream, and it came true. I still can’t believe it,” she said, visibly emotional, as per TengriNews.

Rustam Abishev (pictured above), a regional manager from Semey and father of four, described being “in a state of joyful shock.” His family had been living in a cramped one-bedroom apartment for years.

“It was an unforgettable moment. These homes went to people who built this company with their hands and hearts,” the moved man said.

Even employees with more specialized roles, like accountant Aynur Moldayazova (pictured above), were among the lucky beneficiaries. She began her career in the bottle cap production line back in 2005 and worked her way up. “We were expecting medals or certificates, not this. This is my first real home,” she confessed.

Alaguzov said the idea had been cooking up since 2024. “These are people who stood by me all these years, building this business together. I wanted to thank them not with words, but with something that would truly change their lives,” he said. “Many call it corporate social responsibility, but for me, it came from the bottom of my heart.”

GALANZ bottlers employees celebrate upon receiving their ownership papers.

His wife, renowned Kazakh producer Bayan Alaguzova, encouraged him to make the gesture public, believing it might inspire other business leaders in Kazakhstan to follow suit.

While the majority of apartments went to rank-and-file workers, local media noted that a few mid-level managers were also included. A special company board selected the most deserving recipients, focusing on those with the greatest need.

A corporate family photo at GALANZ bottlers headquarters in Almaty. 

In appreciation, many Kazakhs have launched a social media challenge encouraging fellow citizens to support Alaguzov’s businesses by buying flour, pasta, and popular beverage brands like Makhi Chai, Sevens, Pervokvas, and Garden.

GALANZ bottlers, established in 1998, currently employs around 2,000 people nationwide, with half of the workforce under 35.

A short video from the event is here.