UN World Food Programme (WFP) Goodwill Ambassador The Weeknd, known by his real name Abel Tesfaye, is set to contribute $2.5 million to the Gaza Strip amid severe food shortages resulting from the ongoing conflict. The donation, equivalent to four million emergency meals, will be administered through his XO Humanitarian Fund.
A statement penned by the humanitarian organisation’s director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe Region Corinne Fleischer stressed the intensifying hunger in Gaza and the urgent need for assistance. “This conflict has unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe beyond reckoning,” began Fleischer. The director furthered on, “Our teams need safe and sustained humanitarian access, and continued support from donors to reach as many people as we can. We thank Abel for this valuable contribution towards the people of Palestine. We hope others will follow Abel’s example and support our efforts.” The Weeknd assumed the role of Goodwill Ambassador in October 2021 and has been actively championing the global hunger-relief mission of the WFP. His personal donations, totaling US$1.8 million, along with contributions from the XO Humanitarian Fund have reached US $5 million.