The Weeknd donates $ 1 million to fight hunger in Ethiopia amid reports of violent conflict in the region
The Weeknd donated $ 1 million to the United Nations World Food Program to fight famine in Ethiopia.
The Grammy winner said he was saddened by what was happening to the Afrikaner nation, amid reports of ethnic cleansing and the displacement of more than 2 million people in the Tigray region, according to the New York Times.
“My heart breaks for my people in Ethiopia, because innocent civilians ranging from small children to the elderly are being senselessly murdered and entire villages are being displaced out of fear and destruction,” he wrote.
“I will donate $ 1 million to host 2 million meals through the United Nations World Food Program and encourage those who want to donate as well,” continued The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye.
Spacious: The Weeknd has donated $ 1 million to the United Nations World Food Program to fight famine in Ethiopia. He is seen in the Super Bowl above in February
His post also contains striking images of children from the region.
The Blinding Lights singer’s parents are both from Ethiopia and he grew up in the Amharic, the official language of the country.
Tesfaye is not a first philanthropist.
Last summer, he donated $ 300,000 to Global Aid following 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 classic act that donated $ 300,000 to the Global Aid for Lebanon campaign.”
Sad: ‘My heart breaks for my people of Ethiopia, because innocent civilians ranging from small children to the elderly are being senselessly murdered and entire villages are being displaced out of fear and destruction,’ he wrote
Help: His post also contains striking images of children from the region
Slaiby, who is a Lebanese-Canadian, was born in Lebanon and also thanked Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, for donating $ 50,000 to the aid fund.
“I am so honored and humbled to work with artists who care so deeply about the world,” he added. “And now for our brothers and sisters from Lebanon who are in pain and need our collective help.”
And previously, he encouraged supporters to contribute to Black Lives Matter causes, and last year shared $ 500,000 with movement-related organizations.
Big heart: The singer’s manager, Wassim Slaiby, announced this on Instagram on Wednesday and wrote: ‘I want to thank my brother @theweeknd for his generous and sincere act that donated $ 300,000 to the Global Aid for Lebanon campaign’.