The Weeknd Donates $350K to Jamaican Families Affected by Hurricane Melissa

The Weeknd has pledged a substantial contribution to help families impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, the artist — whose real name is Abel Tesfaye — announced a $350,000 donation through his XO Humanitarian Fund to aid the World Food Programme’s (WFP) emergency efforts in Jamaica, according to a press release.

The funds “will support WFP as it scales up operations to reach up to 200,000 Jamaicans as they recover from the disaster,” the release stated.

Hurricane Melissa, which struck at the end of October, has affected nearly six million people across the Caribbean, with Jamaica enduring the most severe damage from the category 5 storm.

Barron Segar, World Food Program USA President and CEO, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that the artist’s support will help bring comfort and stability to affected communities. He added that WFP’s ability to respond swiftly to crises depends heavily on the generosity of its partners and private contributors.

Hurricane Melissa was the most powerful tropical cyclone recorded so far in 2025. Category 5 storms on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale generate sustained winds of at least 157 mph.

The Weeknd, 35, was recently honored in his hometown of Toronto on July 26. The city awarded him the Key to the City and declared “The Weeknd Weekend” in recognition of his global success and continued commitment to community initiatives. The announcement came ahead of several scheduled performances in Toronto and was celebrated during a private ceremony with Mayor Olivia Chow, local youth, and students from his former high school, Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute.

As part of his ongoing philanthropic work, The Weeknd plans to help upgrade a local basketball court and create a mobile recording studio for the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough. The effort includes dedicated dance and arts spaces as well as a sensory room for students with developmental disabilities at Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute.

The musician — who has donated more than $10 million to humanitarian efforts since 2020 — said he felt “deeply honored” to receive the Key to the City and emphasized his dedication to empowering the next generation.

Supporters who wish to assist with WFP’s hurricane relief efforts can donate here.