The Weeknd honored with the 2022 Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award for his social activism.
The singer/songwriter recently received his flowers from The Slaight Family Foundation for his philanthropic efforts. The award typically goes to a Canadian artist, duo, or group each year.
The recipient receives the award “in recognition of their social activism and benevolent support of humanitarian interests and causes.”
In addition, the foundation will donate $50,000 to a charity of the Canadian singer’s choice.
“That this is a Canadian award sits deep with me,” The Weeknd says. “Allan and The Slaight Family Foundation are known across the country for their generous philanthropy. And it means a lot to be acknowledged, and is an honor to be recognized along with the legendary Canadian artists who received this award before me.”
Gary Slaight, President and CEO of the foundation, also explained why the singer was selected for the award.
“The global success of Abel ‘the Weeknd’ Tesfaye makes every Canadian proud,” Slaight said. “What Abel has done with his success is something that we can be doubly proud of–and this is to improve the lives of people in need, in Canada and around the world. His altruism, in a word, is exemplary.”
Throughout this career, The Weeknd has supported and shown his appreciation to fans and organizations. Within the past few years, the singer has donated roughly $8.3 million to different causes. Just to name a few, The Weeknd has made monetary contributions to St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Toronto, a Uganda-based maternity and children’s medical facility the Suubi Health Center, and the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, the Equal Justice Initiative and the United Nations World Food Programme.
