At Pwrteams, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to give back to the communities in the countries where we operate. Last December, we embraced the spirit of giving by donating 25 EUR on behalf of each team member to a charity of their choice.
The result was a total contribution of 19 375 EUR to nine incredible organisations, that are driving
change locally. One of these charities in Bulgaria was the Eyes on four paws foundation – a pioneering Bulgarian organisation that trains guide and assistance dogs to help people with disabilities live more independently. We spoke with Albena Aleksieva, Founder and Chairwoman of Eyes on four paws, about their mission, the challenges they face, and how our donation is making a real impact on their work.
Read what she shared below.
Tell us more about the foundation Eyes on four paws and its mission.
Our mission is to help people with different types of disabilities live full, independent and integrated lives with the support of specially trained guide dogs or assistance dogs. Each trained dog is offered under a free-of-charge contract, and recipients receive initial and ongoing training to ensure they can confidently live and work with their service dog.
When did you start, and what inspired you to take the first step?
We started back in 2001 with a clear goal – to establish a guide dog training school for blind people in Bulgaria.
The first seven years were a learning process: we obtained, adapted and mastered the necessary expertise required for this project. In 2007, we completed the full “training cycle” at our own training facility. A major milestone came in 2013 when we became members of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). In 2017, we expanded our work to include assistance dogs for people with other disabilities.
The driving force behind this social initiative has always been the desire to empower blind individuals, and later, also people with other disabilities, to gain greater independence and improve their quality of life.
What challenges does your organisation face, and how do you navigate them to keep making an impact?
The biggest challenge for any foundation is securing consistent funding year after year. Planning activities is challenging when most of the budget relies on donations. The only way to succeed is through persistence and delivering high-quality results. As the saying goes - “Work hard and stay humble”.
What are some of the proudest achievements in your journey so far?
We have successfully trained and graduated 105 guide and assistance dogs – changing the lives of many people along the way.
Tell us about the Guide Dog School and how it changes lives. What other projects are you working on?
Our school now trains both guide dogs and assistance dogs. We prepare, train and provide assistance dogs free of charge to individuals with diabetes, people with mobility impairments and children with autism.
Furthermore, our school is the only one of its kind in Bulgaria, equipped with the capacity and programmes to train instructors for both guide dogs and assistance dogs.
Eyes on four paws was one of the organisations we supported through our Christmas Give campaign. How has our donation helped your work?
Thanks to the donation of Pwrteams we will be able to fund part of the upbringing and socialisation process for the puppies born in December 2024. These funds will cover the cost of starter kits for their foster families, including bedding, bowls, toys, leads, shampoos and brushes, as well as obedience and socialisation training sessions.
What are your plans or aspirations for the future of the Eyes on four paws foundation?
Our goal is to become a Balkan centre for training guide and assistance dogs, as well as an education centre for instructors of such dogs.
If someone wants to get involved, what are the most impactful ways they can support your foundation?
The main ways to support us are:
- By making an in-kind donation (labour, materials, treats, equipment, etc.)
- By making a financial donation to the foundation’s accounts.
A separate, yet crucial way to help is by joining our network of foster families who raise and socialise future guide dogs. Their work is voluntary, but we provide everything needed for the care and training of the young dogs. Currently, we have 9 puppies who need to be accommodated in foster families at the beginning of March for a one-year period.
Anyone interested can contact us:
Committed to making a difference
At Pwrteams, giving back is more than a seasonal gesture – it’s a core part of who we are. Supporting organisations like Eyes on four paws is just one way we strive to make a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work.
We’re proud to stand alongside our employees and partners in this journey of generosity and social responsibility. Want to learn more about how we give back? Read about the initiatives we are supporting and how we’re making a difference together.
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