THE WEEKND

Goodwill Ambassador

In 2021, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye became a World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador. Since then, he has helped send millions of meals to people on the brink of famine in Gaza and Ethiopia. Join The Weeknd by donating to the XO Humanitarian Fund today.

In partnership with the World Food Programme, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye launched the XO Humanitarian Fund to support the hungriest people around the world. To date, Tesfaye, his partners and fans have raised $6.5 million for the Fund. Tesfaye has directed $4.5 million toward WFP’s emergency response in Gaza and $2 million to support WFP’s emergency food assistance for women and children in Ethiopia.

The Weeknd's Impact

August 24, 2020

The Weeknd Joins Other Artists to Raise Funds for Lebanon

The Weeknd joined the #GlobalAidForLebanon campaign, raising funds for the victims of the Beirut explosion and bringing in more than $1.2 million. Photo: WFP

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April 5, 2021

The Weeknd Donates $1 Million to Ethiopia

The Weeknd donates $1 million in support of hunger relief efforts in Ethiopia. The significant donation, which equates to 2 million meals, will provide lifesaving food to those affected by conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray Region.

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October 7, 2021

The Weeknd Becomes a Goodwill Ambassador for WFP

World Food Program USA announces The Weeknd as the newest Goodwill Ambassador for WFP.

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March 3, 2022

The Weeknd Launches XO Humanitarian Fund

The Weeknd launches the XO Humanitarian Fund, with an initial donation of $500,000, to help stave off hunger and famine around the world. Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images

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July 14, 2022

The Weeknd Kicks Off World Tour with Special Fundraiser

The Weeknd announces that $1 from every ticket sale of his North American After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour will be donated to the XO Humanitarian Fund.

November 28, 2022

The Weeknd Raises $5M Through the XO Humanitarian Fund

The Weeknd and WFP announce that $5 million has been raised through the XO Humanitarian Fund. The funds will bolster WFP’s efforts to fight global hunger, with the first allotment going towards operations in Ethiopia. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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December 1, 2023

The Weeknd Directs 4 Million Meals to Emergency Relief Efforts in Gaza

The Weeknd is allocating $2.5 million from his XO Humanitarian Fund toward WFP’s response efforts in Gaza. This donation, which equates to 4 million emergency meals, could feed more than 173,000 Palestinians for two weeks. Photo: Rich Fury/Getty

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April 29, 2024

The Weeknd Directs $2 Million to WFP’s Response in Gaza

The Weeknd is allocating another $2 million from his XO Humanitarian Fund toward WFP’s humanitarian response efforts in Gaza. This support will provide over 1,500 metric tons of fortified wheat flour, which can make over 18 million loaves of bread that can help feed more than 157,000 Palestinians for one month. Photo: WFP/Ali Jadallah

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July 17, 2024

The Weeknd To Contribute $1/ticket for São Paulo Concert to WFP USA

World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye will again partner with the World Food Programme to contribute funds from the São Paulo show to the XO Humanitarian Fund, which supports the organization’s response to the unprecedented global hunger crisis. $1 local equivalent from each ticket sold will go to this important cause.

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August 19, 2024

The Weeknd To Contribute $1/ticket for Australia Concerts to WFP USA

World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye will again partner with WFP to contribute funds from the Australia shows to the XO Humanitarian Fund, which supports the organization’s response to the unprecedented global hunger crisis. $1 local equivalent from each ticket sold will go to this important cause.

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January 17, 2025

The Weeknd Donates $1 Million to Los Angeles County Firefighters and Residents Affected by Wildfires

The Weeknd, deeply moved by the devastating effects of the Palisades and Eaton Fires, has committed to donating $1 million to LAFD Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund, and LA Regional Food Bank to help aid the relief efforts and support firefighters bravely battling the flames and to help residents displaced by the disaster. Photo: Rich Fury/Getty

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September 4, 2025

The Weeknd Contributes Funds from His Stadium Tour to the XO Humanitarian Fund

World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye will again partner with WFP to contribute funds from his 2026 After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour to the XO Humanitarian Fund, which supports the organization’s response to the unprecedented global hunger crisis. Photo: Rich Fury/Getty

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Join the Conversation with

The Weeknd

🗣️#ICYMI: We are honored to welcome @theweeknd as a Goodwill Ambassador to @WFP! Learn more about how we plan to collaborate to inspire the next generation of humanitarians to help end hunger & make sure no one goes to bed hungry ➡️ https://t.co/tJBtJijAwP #USAgainstHunger pic.twitter.com/IUKWyRhI0M
— World Food Program USA (@WFPUSA) October 8, 2021

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What's Happening in Gaza and Ethiopia?

The Weeknd launched the XO Humanitarian Fund to help stave off hunger and famine around the world. Learn about some of world’s worst hunger crises and why The Weeknd is using his voice to speak out on global hunger.

WFP Scales up Operations in Gaza as Ceasefire Passes 100 Days

One hundred days into the ceasefire, the World Food Programme (WFP) has significantly expanded its lifesaving operations across the Gaza Strip, reaching more than 1 million people each month.

January 2026

U.N. Agencies Welcome News That Famine Has Been Pushed Back in Gaza, but Warn Fragile Gains Could Be Reversed

The latest IPC analysis for Gaza confirms that no areas of the Strip are currently classified in famine following the October ceasefire and improved humanitarian and commercial access.