The Weeknd donates further $2 million towards famine in Gaza

The charitable singer’s Palestine donations now total up to $4.5 million

 

Multi-platinum global recording artist Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has pledged another $2 million to the Gaza Strip from his XO Humanitarian Fund. The latest donation aims to supply 18 million loaves of bread to families trapped in the ongoing war.  

According to Variety, The Weeknd’s contribution was made in tandem with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which will provide 1,500 metric tonnes of fortified wheat flour to feed more than 157,000 Palestinians. 

In December last year, The Weeknd had pledged $2.5 million, equivalent to four million emergency meals, towards the Gaza Strip amid severe food shortages. The singer also made an urgent appeal to fans to provide personal donations amid the crisis overshadowing the region. According to WFP, more than 1 million Palestinians face catastrophic levels of hunger across Gaza and need urgent support.

"With famine looming in Gaza, [The Weeknd’s] generous support will provide vital relief for thousands of Palestinian families who battle the grip of hunger every day,” said WFP Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe Region, Corinne Fleischer. “We are tremendously grateful for his contribution, compassion, and for his unwavering advocacy for WFP and the people of Palestine.”

The philanthropic singer has made headlines in the past for his ongoing donations to worthy causes. In January, The Weeknd donated to the Los Angeles-based organisation School on Wheels to support more than 1,000 students affected by homelessness. 

Appointed Goodwill Ambassador by the UN in October 2021, The Weeknd has actively supported WFP's global hunger relief mission through personal donations and the XO Humanitarian Fund. The singer, his partners, and fans have raised $6.5 million to date. In addition to directing $4.5 million towards Gaza operations, The Weeknd has also sent $2 million to support WFP's emergency food assistance for women and children in Ethiopia.

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