PPG Volunteers Restore Flood-Damaged School in Europe

PPG announced the completion of a Colorful Communities project at Publiczne Przedszkole nr 1, a preschool in Lewin Brzeski, Poland, that was severely damaged during flooding in 2024. The effort is one of 10 global flagship projects marking the 10th anniversary of PPG’s Colorful Communities program.

Led by PPG’s Global Business Services team in Wroclaw, the project brought together more than 100 employee and community volunteers over six days to restore the school’s interior and exterior. Supported by a grant of 250,000 Polish zloty ($68,000), the work included more than 170 liters of Beckers, Sigma Coatings and Dekoral paints supplied by PPG.

“On behalf of the town of Lewin Brzeski, I would like to thank PPG for its partnership in our community, as well as the volunteers for their contribution and for sharing what is most precious – their hearts,” said Artur Kotara, mayor of Lewin Brzeski. “This initiative marked the culmination of renovation work at the facility after the flood. Thanks to this effort, children can now return to learning activities in spaces that are colorful, creative and welcoming.”

Volunteers helped rebuild the outdoor area central to school events, repainted indoor and outdoor spaces, restored a pergola, and created a mural with street artist Rafał Kłosiński. The design extends a forest scene from the surrounding trees onto the school fence, symbolizing harmony between the environment and education.

“This project is a meaningful response to an urgent need in our community,” said Marcin Dębowski, PPG site lead, Global Business Services. “By combining PPG’s resources, our employees’ volunteer spirit and the creativity of local partners, we not only repaired flood damage but created a more inspiring environment where children can grow, learn and thrive.”

The work featured Beckers Designer Colour, a waterborne, stain-resistant wall and ceiling paint known for its durability and low VOC content, and Beckers Designer Universal, a waterborne enamel suitable for allergy-sensitive spaces. Both products are endorsed by the Polish Society of Allergology for use in schools and healthcare facilities.

PPG has extended the Colorful Communities program for another 10 years, committing an additional $10 million and bringing its total investment to $25 million through 2035. The company and the PPG Foundation are also distributing $1 million in grants to 100 Colorful Communities partners worldwide to mark the milestone year.

Since 2015, PPG has completed nearly 600 Colorful Communities projects in more than 50 countries, including over 15 in Poland, impacting more than 10 million people globally.

To learn more about PPG’s Colorful Communities initiatives, visit www.communities.ppg.com.

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