The Weeknd has donated $1 million to the wildfire relief effort in Los Angeles. The donation comes at a critical time when the city faces one of its most devastating wildfire seasons in recent history.
The 34-year-old singer — whose real name is Abel Tesfaye — has donated $1 million across three different organizations: The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund and the LA Regional Food Bank. These organizations have been at the forefront of emergency response and community support during the crisis.
The chart-topping star has made the donations in partnership with World Food Program USA and XO, The Weeknd’s humanitarian fund. This collaboration represents a growing trend of artists leveraging their foundations for immediate disaster response.
The singer made the generous donation shortly after cancelling a scheduled concert in Los Angeles due to the wildfires. The concert was expected to draw some 90,000 fans to the historic Rose Bowl stadium.
“Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, I am canceling the Rose Bowl concert originally scheduled for January 25th,” The Weeknd, who is preparing to release his new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, wrote on Instagram at the time. The announcement garnered widespread support from fans and fellow artists alike.
“This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time. In light of this, I have also decided to push the release of my album to January 31st.
“My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild.
“With love, Abel.”
Meanwhile, Beyoncé recently donated $2.5 million to support relief efforts in Los Angeles. Her contribution represents one of the largest celebrity donations to the cause thus far.
The Grammy-winning star announced that the money would be given to the LA Fire Relief Fund through her BeyGOOD Foundation. The foundation has a history of responding to natural disasters across the country.
“Los Angeles, we stand with you. BeyGOOD is taking action by announcing the LA Fire Relief Fund with a donation of 2.5 million dollars,” the charity said on Instagram.
“The fund is earmarked to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes, and to churches and community centers to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires.”
The combined efforts of these music industry leaders have helped mobilize additional support from the entertainment community. Local relief organizations report that celebrity involvement has significantly increased public awareness and donations.
The Los Angeles Fire Department estimates that the current wildfire season has affected more than 50,000 residents and damaged thousands of structures across the county. Emergency response teams continue to work around the clock to contain multiple fire fronts.
The LA Regional Food Bank, one of the recipients of The Weeknd‘s donation, has been providing emergency food assistance to displaced families and first responders. They estimate that each $1 donated can provide up to four meals for those in need.
Environmental experts note that this year’s wildfires have been particularly severe due to extended drought conditions and rising temperatures in the region. The financial impact on the affected communities is expected to reach into the billions of dollars.
The entertainment industry’s response to the crisis has highlighted the growing role of celebrity foundations in disaster relief efforts. These donations often serve as catalysts for broader public support and corporate giving.
Recovery efforts are expected to continue for months, with both The Weeknd and Beyoncé’s foundations pledging ongoing support for affected communities. Local officials praise these contributions as essential to both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts.
