In a powerful display of compassion, international music sensation Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye has once again stepped up as a force for good. As the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Goodwill Ambassador, The Weeknd is allocating a staggering $2.5 million from his XO Humanitarian Fund to support WFP’s critical humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
This generous contribution translates to an impressive four million emergency meals, providing a lifeline to over 173,000 Palestinians teetering on the brink of starvation. The timing of Tesfaye’s commitment is crucial, addressing the urgent needs of a population in crisis since October 7th. Collaborating with UN agencies and local partners, WFP has been tirelessly supplying food assistance to 764,000 Palestinians, including those in hard-to-reach areas.
The recent humanitarian pause has allowed WFP to reach over 121,000 people with essential items such as fresh bread, date bars, canned food, flour, pasta, tomato paste, and oil. The impact of The Weeknd’s $2.5 million contribution goes beyond the numbers; it’s a beacon of hope in a region facing unprecedented challenges.
WFP’s Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe Region, Corinne Fleischer, emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating, “This conflict has unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe beyond reckoning. WFP is working round the clock to provide aid in Gaza, but a major scale-up is needed to address the desperate level of hunger we are seeing.”
Abel Tesfaye’s commitment to addressing global hunger extends beyond this significant donation. As a Goodwill Ambassador since October 2021, he has already contributed $1.8 million in personal donations to WFP’s hunger-relief mission. Furthermore, he plans to donate a portion of concert ticket sales from his upcoming 2024 After Hours ’til Dawn tour, solidifying his dedication to making a positive impact on a global scale.
