The Weeknd Is Donating $1 Million to COVID-19 Relief Resources
The After Hours singer is doing all that he can to help people combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Weeknd has been unstoppable this year. Earlier in March, the singer released his fourth studio album, After Hours, and his single “Blinding Lights” has scored a spot in the Billboard ‘The Hot 100’ chart for the past 30 weeks. Now, he is giving back: The Weeknd announced on June 29 that he will be donating $1 million to COVID-19 relief resources.
The donation will be split between two destinations. Half of it will be given to MusiCares, an organization dedicated to offering aid to music professionals, be it with health, rehabilitation, or financial resources. The other $500,000 will be given to the Scarborough Health Network, a group of hospitals located in The Weeknd’s hometown fighting in the front-lines of the pandemic.
Consider joining @TheWeeknd with a gift to @SHNCares! Your support will help our hospitals address urgent needs, continue to create innovative and inclusive care, and put us on the path to shaping the future of #healthcare for #ScarbTO: https://t.co/8IX9rmN2PS #XOtoScarborough
— SHN Foundation (@SHNFoundation) June 29, 2020
The singer had previously announced on Instagram that he was selling face masks from his XO company. He stated that not only would all proceeds be given to COVID-19 aid resources, but also that he would be matching every dollar donated. It’s been 10 weeks since The Weeknd’s announcement, but it has been absolutely worth it because now, the money will help organizations that are desperately trying to combat the pandemic.
“I was raised in Scarborough and felt it was important to give back to the community that raised me during the hard times of this pandemic,” The Weeknd said in a statement.
However, this wasn’t The Weeknd’s only donation this month. He had previously shown his support for the Black Lives Matter movement by donating to Black Lives Matter Global Network, Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights campaign, and the National Bail Out. In total, he donated $500,000 to these organizations, and he asked big music companies like Apple Music, Spotify, and others to do the same.
“Urging everyone with big pockets to give and give big and if you have less please give what you can even if it’s a small amount,” The Weeknd wrote to his fans on Instagram.
We applaud The Weeknd’s efforts to help organizations combating the COVID-19 pandemic or demanding the end of racial injustice. You can also participate in these efforts. If you are able to, make sure to donate to institutions that need your help.
For how to support organizations fighting for Black Lives Matter, click here. For COVID-19 relief resources, make sure to check out your local health networks, or click here to find the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Response Fund.
