Atlas Insurance has launched a new collaboration with K-9 Urban Search and Rescue Malta, supporting the voluntary organisation in strengthening the resources it relies on for its search and rescue work.

Through its Community Involvement Fund, Atlas Insurance is providing funding towards the replacement of two ageing response vehicles used by K-9 USAR Malta to transport its search and rescue dogs, volunteers and equipment when responding to emergencies and taking part in training exercises.

K-9 USAR Malta was founded following the 2016 Amatrice earthquake, after Maltese volunteers helped search for missing people with trained dogs. Today, 29 volunteers train 16 dogs for emergency deployments, including searches requested by Malta’s Civil Protection Department.

Catherine Calleja, Chair of the Atlas Insurance Community Involvement Fund Committee, said: “Through the Fund, we seek to support projects that respond to real needs in our communities while reflecting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. K-9 USAR Malta’s work relies on the dedication of volunteers who give their time and expertise to be ready to assist when needed, and having the right resources behind them is an important part of that readiness. We wanted our support to be practical and meaningful, helping the organisation strengthen its ability to carry out its work while also creating opportunities for our people to engage with and learn more about what these teams do.”

“This sponsorship represents much more than a vehicle,” said Janine Theuma Castelletti, chairperson of K-9 Urban Search and Rescue Malta. “It represents a lasting partnership built on shared values and a common purpose. We are proud to welcome Atlas Insurance as an active partner in our journey, supporting our work from K9 urban search and rescue training to pet therapy, helping us serve and assist our community. Together, we are committed to being ready, prepared, and equipped to respond when the need arises. One Team. One Standard. One Mission.”

The collaboration was introduced to TeamAtlas during the recent Atlas Day, where members of K-9 USAR Malta joined employees to share insights into the organisation’s mission and the training involved in preparing its search and rescue teams. Accompanied by their search and rescue dogs, the volunteers gave employees an opportunity to learn more about how dogs and handlers work together in preparing for search and rescue operations.

Beyond the support for the replacement vehicles, the partnership is intended to build closer engagement between the two organisations, with TeamAtlas employees set to take part in K-9 Therapy visits as well as future K-9 training exercises by acting as simulated victims for the search and rescue dogs to locate.