The Weeknd has donated at least $500,000 (all figures U.S.) to organizations advocating for racial equality and assisting people impacted by the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.
According to receipts he shared on Instagram, the Toronto singer gave $200,000 to Black Lives Matter, $200,000 to the Colin Kaepernick Know Your Rights Campaign Legal Defense Initiative and $100,000 to National Bail Out.
“Keep supporting our brothers and sisters out there risking everything to push for actual change for our black lives,” wrote The Weeknd. “Urging everyone with big pockets to give and give big and if you have less please give what you can even if it's a small amount.”
Fellow Toronto artist Drake also donated $100,000 to National Bail Out, which assists black mothers and caregivers during the COVID-19 lockdown. He shared the receipt – showing he put it on his American Express card – on social media.
Both Drake and The Weeknd were answering a call to action by Mustafa the Poet (aka Toronto songwriter Mustafa Ahmed), who gave $400 to National Bail Out. ”My Toronto Kings @champagnepapi @theweeknd. Swipe up & match my donation but add 3 zeros!”