The donation came via his XO Humanitarian Fund, which The Weeknd launched in 2022 in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP). The money will fund food-and-aid kits for families hit by Hurricane Melissa, with the aim of reaching up to 200,000 Jamaicans.
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, impacted nearly six million people across the Caribbean in late October, with Jamaica among the hardest hit. Beyond Jamaica, the XO Humanitarian Fund has a broader track record: It has contributed over $6.5 million globally, including millions toward WFP emergency food operations in Gaza and Ethiopia.
Photo: Greg Doherty / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
For Jamaica, still recovering from a major natural disaster, the injection of funds through a trusted humanitarian partner means aid can move more quickly and reach communities that are often overlooked.The donation matches the scale of the disaster. A Category 5 hurricane leaves widespread damage; getting food and basic supplies in place is critical.
The Weeknd has positioned his philanthropy within the brand of his career—his XO channel, his platform, his global voice; so the aid reflects his identity and reach.
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