The Weeknd has announced another round of donation, this time specifically for Coronavirus relief efforts.
The multi platinum selling singer-songwriter has donated $500,000 to Scarborough Health Network, the hospital network in the Ontario city where he was raised. The money comes from the sale of his popular XO face masks. All of the proceeds from sales of the masks will be donated to COVID-19 relief, with the artist matching every dollar raised.
“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 release.
“Our vibrant and diverse community represents the best of Canada, and we are fortunate to have ambassadors like The Weeknd in our corner,” said Elizabeth Buller, President and CEO, SHN. “This gift will help our community hospitals continue to deliver exceptional care for the people of Scarborough in the wake of COVID-19, and demonstrates to our courageous staff and physicians that their critical work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.”
Additionally, the artist born Abel Tesfaye has also donated the same amount to MusiCares, the non profit organization established by The GRAMMYs. The Recording Academy and MusiCares setup the COVID-19 Relief Fund a few months ago to help artists and other creatives in light of the tough financial circumstances as a result of the global pandemic.
Earlier this month, Weeknd donated $500k to Black Lives Matter linked organizations after protests erupted across the U.S.