Despite the scarcity of guide dog training facilities in Poland, there is a significant need for these dogs, which provide their owners with newfound independence and unwavering companionship.
"Trained guide dogs are rare in Poland, with a mere 11 institutions across the country offering specialized training. Yet, the demand for these dogs is substantial, as they give their owner renewed independence and a reliable companion," Beata Molska, Head of HR and Social Responsibility at Xella Poland, explains the need.

That is why Xella Group and Xella Poland decided to help. At the heart of Xella’s engagement lies the sponsorship of Mila, a guide dog whose training was overseen by a seasoned behaviorist. Mila, a biscuit-colored Labrador, underwent months of dedicated training, - from her earliest puppy days to her passage of the maturity exam, signifying the threshold for being a guide dog. Naturally, many of the Xella Team who followed Mila’s path wanted to be present at her graduation ceremony, where she received a well-deserved certificate of completion and was formally entrusted to her new owner.
 

Insights into interacting with people who use guide dogs
 

But the commitment goes beyond that. "Looking ahead, we are also preparing to launch a social media campaign in partnership with the Vis Major Guide Dog Foundation. This campaign aims to heighten awareness regarding the seamless integration of visually impaired individuals within our community, while also promoting volunteerism and nurturing guide dog families," shares Tomasz Malkowski, Specialist Communication & PR at Xella Poland. Furthermore, a video and podcast featuring an insightful conversation with the President of the foundation and the owner of Mila will provide valuable insights into proper etiquette when interacting with visually impaired individuals and their guide dogs. 
 

Xella takes on social responsibility
 

As a company, Xella attaches great importance to assuming social responsibility in addition to our economic activities. "Our understanding of community engagement is to be actively involved, to offer assistance beyond financial support. We strive to grow a culture of solidarity and empathy among our colleagues. It's about deeply comprehending the 'why' behind our actions. To bring our engagement into action, multiple departments contributed, ranging from Legal and Tax to HR and Marketing”, highlights Beata Molska.

Read more about another social project: Creating homes with Habitat for Humanity