The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has donated $350,000 through his XO Humanitarian Fund to help Jamaicans recover from Hurricane Melissa, supporting the World Food Programme’s emergency food relief for tens of thousands affected by the storm.
Hurricane Melissa hit the Caribbean at the end of October, leaving nearly six million people in need. Jamaica was the hardest hit, and the World Food Programme (WFP) has been working closely with the Jamaican government to provide food and essential supplies to families struggling after the disaster.
So far, more than 9,000 people in Jamaica have received food kits containing rice, lentils, canned fish, meat, and vegetable oil. Across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, WFP’s emergency efforts have reached over 254,000 people. The donation from The Weeknd will allow WFP to expand its reach to up to 200,000 people in Jamaica, according to Variety.
The XO Humanitarian Fund, launched by The Weeknd in 2022, is backed by proceeds from his “After Hours Til Dawn” stadium tour. Since its launch, the fund has contributed over $6.5 million to hunger relief worldwide, including support for Gaza, Ethiopia, and wildfire relief in Los Angeles.
“His compassion will provide much-needed comfort and resilience to Jamaicans as they navigate this crisis,” said Barron Segar, President and CEO of World Food Program USA. WFP depends on donations from individuals and private partners to respond quickly to disasters and provide food and hope to families facing hunger and displacement.
Those who wish to support hurricane relief efforts alongside The Weeknd can donate through WFP USA.
SOURCE: blacknews.com