The event, themed, "Saving Lives With a Mother's Love", resulted in the collection of 26.5 litres of blood, which translates to saving 180 lives, says the NPO.

Amongst the donors of the day was the guest of honour, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. She spoke on the social importance of volunteering in such health initiatives and expressed gratitude to the WeLoveU Foundation for its continued support to the health sector. "I am happy to be part of this family in the drive of contributing blood."

Seconding her appreciation for the organisation was SANBS representative, Boitumelo Sentsho, who explained how the blood drive directly contributed to the alleviation of blood shortages in hospitals.

The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation has over 155 000 volunteers globally. Those present on the day came from different parts of Gauteng: Joahnnesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Soweto, Thokoza and Vanderbijlpark, with an addition of 10 shoppers that visited the centre during the course of the event. This spirit of volunteerism resulted in a total of 59 donors, adds the NPO.

The blood drive was conducted under the organisation's 'One-Two Blood Drive' campaign, which is currently being conducted in 73 countries. The meaning behind the campaign name is an emphasis on the impact of volunteerism, that if one person donates blood, they can inspire two and more people to donate — creating a cycle of saving lives, says the NPO.

Through such initiatives, the International WeLoveU Foundation has received over 100 honorary awards from various governments and organisations around the world, including the United States President's Volunteer Service Award. In 2025 alone, the non-profit organisation received plaques of appreciation from governmental agencies in South Korea, Togo, Nepal, Combodia and the United States, concludes the NPO.

For more information, visit www.intlweloveu.org. 

*Image courtesy of contributor