Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, announced a pledge of $1 million to hunger relief in Ethiopia.
The money will cater to about two million meals for those who need food aid amid the ongoing conflict between the government and the Tigray region.
“My heart breaks for my people of Ethiopia as 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 on Instagram on Sunday.
The Weeknd further said, “I will be donating $1 million to provide 2 million meals through the United Nations World Food Program and encourage those who can to please give as well.”
Millions of people have been displaced due to the crisis in the Tigray region which has also brought about thousands of deaths.
The Weeknd was born in Canada but he is the son of two Ethiopian immigrants.
He also donated $1 million to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic in June, as well as $500,000 to nonprofit organizations devoted to bringing about racial equality. A pledge of $300,000 was also made to victims of the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, in August.
The singer’s released a statement on Instagram saying;
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A philanthropist.. we stan!