The global welfare organisation, International WeLoveU, led by Chairwoman Giljah Zahng, recently held a blood donation campaign at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Donor Centre in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The event attracted 21 volunteers, including WeLoveU members, their families, and local residents from the Gqeberha area, all united in the mission to share the gift of life.
The campaign began at 10:00 on Sunday, March 16 as volunteers gathered at the SANBS Donor Centre and systematically went through the necessary pre-donation procedures.
Of the participants, 13 were deemed suitable and donated a collective 5850ml of healthy blood over two hours. SANBS commended WeLoveU for organising the event and supported the process by providing snacks for donors.
Unathi Xuba, a WeLoveU member, expressed her feelings after donating. “I heard that one person’s blood donation can save up to three lives. This touched my heart because I can share life with others through this donation.”
Fellow member, Lutho Jonas, added, “I will gladly do this again to save three more lives,” expressing his commitment to the cause.
The initiative is part of WeLoveU’s ‘Worldwide Blood Donation One, Two Movement’, a global campaign that began in Korea in 2004 and has been ongoing for over 20 years.
According to Willem Pretorius, the local assistant branch leader, it aims to create a ripple effect in blood donation, starting with one person and spreading exponentially to engage people worldwide.
This movement aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of achieving 100% voluntary, unpaid blood donation globally.
Globally, in 64 countries, 117 000 people have participated in the Blood Donation Campaign, with 52 000 donating blood. This remarkable effort is estimated to have saved 156 000 lives as of 2024, showcasing the profound impact of WeLoveU’s initiatives, Pretorius proudly added.
In addition to blood donations, WeLoveU actively participates in various altruistic efforts.
In February, they provided food packages to 64 households affected by a fire in Dunoon, Cape Town, and have previously supported disaster victims in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
Pretorius said, “Our commitment extends to community clean-up initiatives under the ‘Global Clean World Movement,’ aiming to enhance environmental awareness and combat climate change. “WeLoveU’s actions are making a real difference. They embody a commitment to community welfare and show how collective efforts can lead to meaningful change.”
International WeLoveU, an NGO affiliated with the United Nations Department of Public Information, boasts 155 000 members in 79 countries.
Its members have undertaken 4500 social contribution activities in areas such as environmental conservation, emergency relief and poverty alleviation. Their efforts have earned them prestigious accolades, including the Order of Merit from the Republic of Korea and the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
“WeLoveU’s activities continue to receive support globally as they contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), striving for a hopeful future for humanity and the planet,” Pretorius concluded.
