The Weeknd Donates $350,000 for Hurricane Melissa Relief in Jamaica

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa's devastating impact as a Category 5 storm that struck the Caribbean in late October, a major donation has been announced. Abel Tesfaye, the global music superstar known as The Weeknd, is directing $350,000 from his XO Humanitarian Fund to the World Food Programme. This financial support will bolster the WFP's critical relief activities in Jamaica, where the hurricane unleashed its most destructive power. The storm's path of devastation affected nearly six million people throughout the region, with Jamaica bearing the brunt of the damage.

The World Food Programme, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its fight against hunger, is collaborating with Jamaican authorities to provide essential food kits. These packages, containing items like rice, lentils, canned fish, meat, and vegetable oil, have already been delivered to over 9,000 individuals. A logistics expert with the WFP explained the importance of a swift and organized response, stating, "Our pre-positioned supplies and established distribution channels are absolutely vital for mounting an effective, large-scale operation in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophe." To date, the agency's emergency food distributions have reached 254,000 people across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti.

Barron Segar, who leads World Food Program USA, expressed profound gratitude for the artist's contribution. "This generous act from The Weeknd delivers crucial aid for our lifesaving mission in Jamaica, providing a measure of stability and hope to communities facing immense hardship," Segar commented. He emphasized that philanthropic support from the private sector is a cornerstone of the WFP's ability to serve as a rapid first responder during international emergencies. World Food Program USA, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the primary U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to generating support and funding for the United Nations agency's goal of a world without hunger.

The XO Humanitarian Fund was established by The Weeknd in partnership with World Food Program USA in 2022. Its initial funding was sourced from the record-breaking proceeds of his "After Hours Til Dawn" stadium tour, a global concert series that solidified his status as one of music's top touring artists. Since its inception, the fund has strategically deployed more than $6.5 million to address acute hunger crises around the world. This includes a substantial $4.5 million allocation for the WFP's emergency operations in Gaza and another $2 million for food assistance aimed at vulnerable women and children in Ethiopia. The fund has also demonstrated a commitment to domestic crises, having previously contributed $1 million to support Los Angeles County firefighters and residents affected by severe wildfires.

Every contribution made helps ensure the direct delivery of food and builds resilience for families who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Those wishing to join The Weeknd in supporting hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica can make a donation at www.wfpusa.org/helpjamaica.