Global Humanitarian Group’s Blood Collections Surge as Seven-City Campaign Arrives Sunday Pasadena

An international humanitarian organization that said it has increased its blood collections by 848% this year will bring its nationwide donation campaign to the Hilton Pasadena Sunday, Sept. 14, as part of a coordinated seven-city effort to combat America’s blood shortage.

The International WeLoveU Foundation’s 21st annual blood drive, running 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 168 S. Los Robles Ave., anchors the West Coast portion of a campaign targeting 1,875 pints nationwide. The simultaneous drives in San Diego, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month and Sickle Cell Awareness Month—timing the foundation says addresses critical needs for diverse blood donors.

The explosive growth in WeLoveU’s blood collection efforts—from hosting 116 drives across 29 countries earlier this year to achieving 106% operational efficiency as measured by the American Red Cross—represents a significant mobilization amid ongoing shortages. The United Nations-affiliated organization, founded in 2001, has conducted more than 800 blood drives across six continents, engaging over 37,000 voluntary donors.

“We are honored to continue our partnership with the American Red Cross and launch this multi-city initiative,” said B.J. Hu, executive director of the WeLoveU Foundation. “Under the compassionate leadership of Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, WeLoveU remains steadfast in our mission to serve our neighbors through meaningful volunteer action.”

The foundation’s “One-Two Blood Drive” campaign supports the World Health Organization’s goal of achieving 100% voluntary blood donation, a standard the organization has pursued through its association with the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

For more information, visit weloveuusa.org.