The Weeknd donates $ 1 million to fight hunger in Ethiopia amid reports of violent conflict in the region
The Weeknd has donated $ 1 million to the United Nations World Food Program to help combat famine in Ethiopia.
The Grammy winner said he was heartbroken at what is happening in the African nation amid reports of ethnic cleansing and the displacement of more than 2 million people in the Tigray region of the country, according to the New York Times.
“My heart breaks for my people in Ethiopia as innocent civilians, from infants to the elderly, are senselessly murdered and entire villages are driven out of fear and destruction,” he wrote.
“I will donate $ 1 million to provide 2 million meals through the United Nations World Food Program and encourage those who can please to give as well,” continued The Weeknd, birth name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye.
Generous: The Weeknd has donated $ 1 million to the United Nations World Food Program to help combat famine in Ethiopia. He was seen above in February’s Super Bowl
His post also featured striking images of children from the region.
The Blinding Lights singer’s parents are both from Ethiopia and he grew up in Amharic, the country’s official language.
Tesfaye is not a prime philanthropist.
Last summer, he donated $ 300,000 to Global Aid in the aftermath of the devastating explosions in Beirut, Lebanon, which killed an estimated 220 people and injured 6,000 people.
The singer’s manager Wassim Slaiby shared the news at the time, saying, “I want to thank my brother @theweeknd for his generous and classy act by donating $ 300,000 to the Global Aid for Lebanon campaign.”
With a broken heart: “My heart is breaking for my people in Ethiopia now that innocent civilians, from small children to the elderly, are senselessly murdered and entire villages are driven out of fear and destruction,” he wrote.
Human Cost: His post also featured striking images of children from the region
Slaiby, who is Lebanese Canadian, was born in Lebanon and also thanked Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, for donating $ 50,000 to the emergency fund.
‘I am so honored and humbled to work with artists who have such a deep concern for the world,’ he added. “And now for our brothers and sisters of Lebanon who are in pain and need our collective help.”
And before that, he urged fans to contribute to Black Lives Matter goals, sharing $ 500k with organizations related to the movement last June.
Big heart: singer Wassim Slaiby’s manager shared the news of his $ 300,000 contribution to Lebanon relief efforts last summer