Canadian pop superstar the Weeknd is partnering with the United Nations on a new humanitarian fund to fight the global hunger crisis.
The United Nation's World Food Programme says the Toronto-born "Blinding Lights" singer made an initial donation of US$500,000 to launch the .
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, also plans to donate US$1 from each ticket sold to his upcoming After Hours 'til Dawn stadium tour to the fund. The UN estimates those efforts could draw another $3.5 million by the end of next year.
The UN agency says the money will support communities facing hunger in countries including Afghanistan, Yemen and Ethiopia, the country where both of Tesfaye's parents lived before they immigrated to Canada.
Hunger crises have intensified around the world as conflict and climate change, compounded by COVID-19 and rising expenses, are "driving millions of people closer to starvation — threatening to increase migration and instability globally."
The UN says more than 44 million people are facing famine, while another 276 million are facing severe hunger.
The food program's U.S. board of directors says it will contribute an additional US$1 million to support efforts in Ethiopia and help launch the XO fund, which is named after the Weeknd's record label.
Tesfaye was selected as one of the food program's global ambassadors last year and organizers say he has donated US$1.8 million in total.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 3, 2022.
Luis Armando Albino was six years old in 1951 when he was abducted while playing at an Oakland, Calif., park. Now, more than seven decades later, Albino has been found thanks to help from an online ancestry test, old photos and newspaper clippings.
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The prime minister's official itinerary says the interview will be shot during his trip to New York, where he is meeting with other world leaders ahead of the 78th gathering of the United Nations General Assembly.
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Â鶹´«Ã½ Montreal at Six for Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 with anchor Matt Gilmour.
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A year after being recognized as one of 19 ‘Bee Campuses’ by Bee City Canada, Georgian College continues to promote the importance of bees to agriculture, the economy and education.
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The Amherstburg Uncommon Festival is living up to its name with the addition of a drone light show — a first for Essex County.
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A Victoria woman is now $1 million richer after winning a Maxmillions prize on a recent Lotto Max Draw.
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Despite the heavy rain, plenty of muscle turned up for United Way’s annual Pull the Bus fundraiser in Lethbridge Friday.
Lethbridge County has rescinded its fire restriction as a result of the recent cool, wet weathr.
The Lethbridge Hurricanes kicked off the 2024-25 season on a winning note Friday night, defeating the Edmonton Oil Kings 3-1 in a game played at VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
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Newfoundland and Labrador sponsored a minor football team in England, now they’re about to play one of the biggest clubs in European soccer.
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