The Weeknd has donated $50,000 to the University of Toronto to help start an Ethiopic Studies program.
The Toronto Star reports that the singer, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, donated the money after a request from the Ethiopian-Canadian organization Bikila Award. U of T professor Michael Gervers had previously pledged to contribute $50,000 if the university and/or Ethiopian community could match that donation, and evidently Tesfaye rose to the challenge.
Bikila Award board member Tam Gebeyehu told the Star, “It’s unbelievable. He grew up in Toronto as an Ethiopian-Canadian, and now he’s giving back to the community.” Gebeyehu added, “His donation helps us preserve our culture and share it with everyone else.”
The cheque was presented on Saturday (August 6) at the Bikila Barefoot Challenge at U of T. All told, more that $170,000 has been raised for the program.
Agencies/Canadajournal
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Way to go Abel – generous Canadian spirit, who remembers his roots.