The Weeknd has pledged to donate $1 million to Los Angeles firefighters and residents after the devastating wildfires that ravaged the city.
The singer (born Abel Tesfaye) announced that he will donate the amount to various organizations including the LAFD Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund and the LA Regional Bank. His humanitarian efforts are done in partnership with the World Food Program USA and his own XO Humanitarian Fund.
Earlier this week, the week canceled plans for a special concert at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles that was scheduled for January 25 out of respect for the situation unfolding in the city. He also delayed the release of his upcoming album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’, which is now out on January 31st.
“Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, I am canceling the Rose Bowl concert originally scheduled for January 25th,” he wrote on social media.
“This city has always been a deep source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts go out to everyone affected during this difficult time. In light of this, I have also decided to postpone the release of my album until January 31. My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and helping its incredible people as they rebuild.”
Over the past five years, the Weeknd has donated more than $8 million to charitable causes ranging from COVID-19 relief and Black Lives Matter to relief from the 2020 Beirut port explosionLebanon to almost $5 million in emergency humanitarian aid in Gazaamong many other efforts.
The Weeknd joins a growing group of artists and music companies donating to wildfire relief efforts in the city. Yesterday, Taylor Swift announced that she is donating to a number of organizations including the California Community Foundation Fund and Direct Relief, while Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation pledged $2.5 million to various causes.
