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News Release

WeLoveU Foundation Volunteers Mobilize Across The Nation To Help Keep Our Blood Supply Strong - 08/18/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

[Portland, OR, August 18, 2026] ---On Sunday, August 23, 2026, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation in partnership with the American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Portland Red Cross location in celebration of WeLoveU’s 22 years of life-saving blood drives. The event is part of a larger initiative with simultaneous blood drives in California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania to increase diverse blood donations. 

 

The Red Cross reports that scheduled blood donations — which account for about 90% of the blood supply — have declined sharply this summer, highlighting just how essential it is to make and keep donation appointments all summer long. In addition, disasters across the country have impacted the ability to collect blood products. To tackle this challenge, WeLoveU has launched the “Worldwide One-Two Blood Drive” to encourage voluntary, unpaid blood donations and help save lives worldwide. With a goal of collecting 650 pints of blood across all participating cities, WeLoveU invites the public to get involved. Visit weloveuusa.org to learn more.

   

WHO:

 

The International WeLoveU Foundation

The American Red Cross

 

WHAT:

WeLoveU Blood Drive

WHEN:

 

Sunday, August 23, 2026

9 a.m. –  2 p.m.

 

WHERE:

Red Cross Chapter Office

3131 N Vancouver Avenue

Portland, OR 97227

 

 

“Summer is considered trauma season due to an increase in accidents which can put a strain on our blood supply. Wildfires can force the cancellation of blood drives affecting our ability to collect blood. This is also traditionally a time of lower blood donations because people are traveling,” said Priscilla Fuentes, CEO of the Red Cross Cascades Region. “That’s why we’re encouraging everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to donate blood today at RedCrossBlood.org.”

 

 

"Every time a volunteer rolls up their sleeve, they're making a decision that could save a stranger's life within hours," said Jessica Amaya, program manager of the WeLoveU Foundation's U.S. Region. "That urgency is what drives us — and it's why, 22 years after our founder and chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah first called on our community to give blood, we're still showing up, drive after drive, to make sure that call is answered."

 

As a thank you for taking time to help patients in need, you’ll get a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email when you come to give blood Aug. 1-31, 2026!

 

About the International WeLoveU Foundation   

Founder and Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah established the International WeLoveU Foundation in 2001— which is associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC) — as a vehicle to deliver a mother’s love to neighbors in need. The Chairwoman took a grassroots approach by personally interacting with and caring for the needs of people in her community and her efforts inspired the spirit of volunteerism into the hearts of many. Over the past two decades, WeLoveU has extended its reach to over 73 countries in 249 regions, impacting countless lives through initiatives spanning emergency relief, education, health, environment, and community well-being. With the dedication of over 300,000 volunteers worldwide, WeLoveU inspires a healthy and hopeful future for many. For more information, visit weloveuusa.org.

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

 

 

                                                                                      -###- 

 

 

WeLoveU Foundation Volunteers Mobilize Across The Nation To Help Keep Our Blood Supply Strong - 08/18/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

[Portland, OR, August 18, 2026] ---On Sunday, August 23, 2026, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation in partnership with the American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Portland Red Cross location in celebration of WeLoveU’s 22 years of life-saving blood drives. The event is part of a larger initiative with simultaneous blood drives in California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania to increase diverse blood donations. 

 

The Red Cross reports that scheduled blood donations — which account for about 90% of the blood supply — have declined sharply this summer, highlighting just how essential it is to make and keep donation appointments all summer long. In addition, disasters across the country have impacted the ability to collect blood products. To tackle this challenge, WeLoveU has launched the “Worldwide One-Two Blood Drive” to encourage voluntary, unpaid blood donations and help save lives worldwide. With a goal of collecting 650 pints of blood across all participating cities, WeLoveU invites the public to get involved. Visit weloveuusa.org to learn more.

   

WHO:

 

The International WeLoveU Foundation

The American Red Cross

 

WHAT:

WeLoveU Blood Drive

WHEN:

 

Sunday, August 23, 2026

9 a.m. –  2 p.m.

 

WHERE:

Red Cross Chapter Office

3131 N Vancouver Avenue

Portland, OR 97227

 

 

“Summer is considered trauma season due to an increase in accidents which can put a strain on our blood supply. Wildfires can force the cancellation of blood drives affecting our ability to collect blood. This is also traditionally a time of lower blood donations because people are traveling,” said Priscilla Fuentes, CEO of the Red Cross Cascades Region. “That’s why we’re encouraging everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to donate blood today at RedCrossBlood.org.”

 

 

"Every time a volunteer rolls up their sleeve, they're making a decision that could save a stranger's life within hours," said Jessica Amaya, program manager of the WeLoveU Foundation's U.S. Region. "That urgency is what drives us — and it's why, 22 years after our founder and chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah first called on our community to give blood, we're still showing up, drive after drive, to make sure that call is answered."

 

As a thank you for taking time to help patients in need, you’ll get a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email when you come to give blood Aug. 1-31, 2026!

 

About the International WeLoveU Foundation   

Founder and Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah established the International WeLoveU Foundation in 2001— which is associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC) — as a vehicle to deliver a mother’s love to neighbors in need. The Chairwoman took a grassroots approach by personally interacting with and caring for the needs of people in her community and her efforts inspired the spirit of volunteerism into the hearts of many. Over the past two decades, WeLoveU has extended its reach to over 73 countries in 249 regions, impacting countless lives through initiatives spanning emergency relief, education, health, environment, and community well-being. With the dedication of over 300,000 volunteers worldwide, WeLoveU inspires a healthy and hopeful future for many. For more information, visit weloveuusa.org.

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

 

 

                                                                                      -###- 

 

 

Red Cross Humanitarian Office Grand Opening In Medford - 07/28/26

                                                                                      

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

[Medford, OR, July 28, 2026]---As we experience a nationwide blood crisis, and respond to dozens of wildfires in our state, we invite you to come join us as we open our new location to help service the people of SW Oregon. Learn how the Red Cross opens and supports disaster shelters, installs free smoke alarms as part of our Home Fire Campaign, builds partnerships through our Community Adaptation Program, collects blood for local hospitals, and provides free training to our volunteers.

 

  • WHAT: Red Cross Medford chapter office grand opening
  • WHEN: Wednesday, July 29, 4pm-6pm with a short program scheduled for 5:30pm
  • WHERE: 1550 Biddle Road, Suite E/F, Medford, Oregon 97504
  • WHY: Now’s the perfect time to get to know us as we navigate a busy wildfire season, blood crisis and building of new partnerships in the region.

 

We’ll have guest speakers, photo opportunities, refreshments for all those who attend, and a free raffle at 6pm.

 

Beyond this open house, here’s how you can help:

  • Follow the Red Cross Cascades Region on social media or through our website to forward information to your networks:

website | facebook | twitter | instagram | blog

  • Find where Red Cross shelters are located: Click Here
  • To schedule a blood donation, Click Here and encourage someone to come with you and take a picture to post on social media to help spread the word. 

 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

 

                                                                                           # # #

Red Cross Humanitarian Office Grand Opening In Medford - 07/28/26

                                                                                      

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

[Medford, OR, July 28, 2026]---As we experience a nationwide blood crisis, and respond to dozens of wildfires in our state, we invite you to come join us as we open our new location to help service the people of SW Oregon. Learn how the Red Cross opens and supports disaster shelters, installs free smoke alarms as part of our Home Fire Campaign, builds partnerships through our Community Adaptation Program, collects blood for local hospitals, and provides free training to our volunteers.

 

  • WHAT: Red Cross Medford chapter office grand opening
  • WHEN: Wednesday, July 29, 4pm-6pm with a short program scheduled for 5:30pm
  • WHERE: 1550 Biddle Road, Suite E/F, Medford, Oregon 97504
  • WHY: Now’s the perfect time to get to know us as we navigate a busy wildfire season, blood crisis and building of new partnerships in the region.

 

We’ll have guest speakers, photo opportunities, refreshments for all those who attend, and a free raffle at 6pm.

 

Beyond this open house, here’s how you can help:

  • Follow the Red Cross Cascades Region on social media or through our website to forward information to your networks:

website | facebook | twitter | instagram | blog

  • Find where Red Cross shelters are located: Click Here
  • To schedule a blood donation, Click Here and encourage someone to come with you and take a picture to post on social media to help spread the word. 

 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

 

                                                                                           # # #

Air Force Veteran Gives His 40th Gallon Of Blood During An Emergency Blood Shortage - 07/22/26

Air Force Veteran Gives His 40th Gallon of Blood During an Emergency Blood Shortage

Come meet Ken Dale as he makes a blood donation during a nation-wide emergency blood shortage and hits his 40th gallon!

 

Media Contact: Rebecca Marshall

Rebecca.Marshall2@redcross.org

(503) 307-2060

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

[PORTLAND, JULY 23rd, 2026] 

  • What: 40th Gallon Donation 

  • When: July 25. Donation time 10am. Media invited to attend from 9:30 to 11am.

  • Where: Living Savior Lutheran Church; 8740 SW Sagert St., Tualatin, OR 97062

It’s not every day you get to meet a local hero like Ken Dale. He’s full of humor, determination, and a life-saving spirit. He continues to donate to this day because of a very memorable first experience:

 

His father had been an avid blood donor and inspired Ken Dale to donate. At that time, anyone under the age of 21 needed written parental permission to donate. When his father dropped him off at the Red Cross blood donation center, Dale had forgotten to have him sign the release form. Inside the Red Cross donation center, “a young man working for the Red Cross drove me eight miles to my mother to have my release signed. I still remember he had a green Chevrolet Impala.” He concluded, “That act showed me how valuable every single donation is.”

 

Click here to read the full story about Ken.

 

The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood. 

The most important way to help end the blood shortage is to book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give July 13-31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). Additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/July. 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

 

###

Air Force Veteran Gives His 40th Gallon Of Blood During An Emergency Blood Shortage - 07/22/26

Air Force Veteran Gives His 40th Gallon of Blood During an Emergency Blood Shortage

Come meet Ken Dale as he makes a blood donation during a nation-wide emergency blood shortage and hits his 40th gallon!

 

Media Contact: Rebecca Marshall

Rebecca.Marshall2@redcross.org

(503) 307-2060

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

[PORTLAND, JULY 23rd, 2026] 

  • What: 40th Gallon Donation 

  • When: July 25. Donation time 10am. Media invited to attend from 9:30 to 11am.

  • Where: Living Savior Lutheran Church; 8740 SW Sagert St., Tualatin, OR 97062

It’s not every day you get to meet a local hero like Ken Dale. He’s full of humor, determination, and a life-saving spirit. He continues to donate to this day because of a very memorable first experience:

 

His father had been an avid blood donor and inspired Ken Dale to donate. At that time, anyone under the age of 21 needed written parental permission to donate. When his father dropped him off at the Red Cross blood donation center, Dale had forgotten to have him sign the release form. Inside the Red Cross donation center, “a young man working for the Red Cross drove me eight miles to my mother to have my release signed. I still remember he had a green Chevrolet Impala.” He concluded, “That act showed me how valuable every single donation is.”

 

Click here to read the full story about Ken.

 

The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood. 

The most important way to help end the blood shortage is to book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give July 13-31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). Additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/July. 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

 

###

MICHAEL KIENZLE RED CROSS MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE HONORS LOCAL FIREFIGHTER (Photo) - 07/21/26

[Redmond, OR, July 21, 2026] – This Friday, Redmond Fire & Rescue will host a memorial blood drive in honor of a cherished colleague and friend, Michael Kienzle, who lost his battle with cancer last month.

 

Michael began his career in Corvallis, OR—initially as a volunteer in 2015 before becoming a professional firefighter in 2019. He joined the ranks of Redmond Fire & Rescue in 2024 and quickly became a valued member of the team. A dedicated husband and father, Michael was also passionate about mentoring young athletes in the community. Friends, family, colleagues, and community members are encouraged to donate blood in his honor on July 24.

This also comes at a time when there is an Emergency Blood Shortage.

 

Deputy Chief Redmond Fire & Rescue, Dustin Miller, weighed in on the upcoming event.

 

 “Blood donations save lives every day, and they are especially important for patients battling leukemia and other forms of cancer, who often rely on blood and platelet transfusions throughout their treatment. We see firsthand how critical these lifesaving resources can be. Hosting this blood drive is another way Redmond Fire & Rescue can honor Michael Kienzle’s service while we assist our community outside of emergency response. We encourage everyone who is able to donate and help make a meaningful difference in someone's fight."

 

  • What: Michael Kienzle Red Cross Memorial Blood Drive
  • Where: Redmond Fire & Rescue, 341 NW Dogwood Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
  • When: July 24, 2026, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • Media interviews between 8:30am-11:30am.

 

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “KienzleStrong” to make an appointment.

 

This is important now more than ever as we are in an Emergency Blood Shortage across the country and every drop counts.  

 

Give blood July 13 to 31 for a Fandango Movie Reward by email to see a movie on us! Redblood.org/July

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

# # #

Attached Media Files: Photo of Michael Kienzle and wife Lisa_.png,

MICHAEL KIENZLE RED CROSS MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE HONORS LOCAL FIREFIGHTER (Photo) - 07/21/26

[Redmond, OR, July 21, 2026] – This Friday, Redmond Fire & Rescue will host a memorial blood drive in honor of a cherished colleague and friend, Michael Kienzle, who lost his battle with cancer last month.

 

Michael began his career in Corvallis, OR—initially as a volunteer in 2015 before becoming a professional firefighter in 2019. He joined the ranks of Redmond Fire & Rescue in 2024 and quickly became a valued member of the team. A dedicated husband and father, Michael was also passionate about mentoring young athletes in the community. Friends, family, colleagues, and community members are encouraged to donate blood in his honor on July 24.

This also comes at a time when there is an Emergency Blood Shortage.

 

Deputy Chief Redmond Fire & Rescue, Dustin Miller, weighed in on the upcoming event.

 

 “Blood donations save lives every day, and they are especially important for patients battling leukemia and other forms of cancer, who often rely on blood and platelet transfusions throughout their treatment. We see firsthand how critical these lifesaving resources can be. Hosting this blood drive is another way Redmond Fire & Rescue can honor Michael Kienzle’s service while we assist our community outside of emergency response. We encourage everyone who is able to donate and help make a meaningful difference in someone's fight."

 

  • What: Michael Kienzle Red Cross Memorial Blood Drive
  • Where: Redmond Fire & Rescue, 341 NW Dogwood Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
  • When: July 24, 2026, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • Media interviews between 8:30am-11:30am.

 

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “KienzleStrong” to make an appointment.

 

This is important now more than ever as we are in an Emergency Blood Shortage across the country and every drop counts.  

 

Give blood July 13 to 31 for a Fandango Movie Reward by email to see a movie on us! Redblood.org/July

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

# # #

Attached Media Files: Photo of Michael Kienzle and wife Lisa_.png,