World celebrity Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye has been profoundly honored by his hometown, receiving the celebrated Key to the Metropolis and a citywide proclamation designating July 26–27 as “The Weeknd Weekend.” These accolades acknowledge his immense achievements as a singer, songwriter, and producer, alongside his unwavering dedication to humanitarian work and dedication to giving again to the neighborhood that formed him.
The honors have been introduced at a personal ceremony attended by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, alongside youth from the Boys & Women Membership of West Scarborough and college students from Abel’s alma mater, Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute. The timing is especially poignant, coming simply forward of his anticipated After Hours Until Daybreak 2025 Tour dates in Toronto on July 27–28 and August 7–8.
Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her delight, stating, “Born in Toronto, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye represents the most effective of our metropolis. From Scarborough to the worldwide stage, he has reshaped trendy music whereas utilizing his platform to assist well being and humanitarian causes at house and all over the world. I’m proud to honour one in every of our metropolis’s best artists with a Key to the Metropolis to rejoice his contributions to music, society and our tradition.”
In a strong gesture reflecting his dedication to his roots, The Weeknd, in partnership with Stay Nation, has pledged important assist to the neighborhood. They’re serving to to revitalize the basketball court docket and convey a cellular recording studio to the Boys & Women Membership of West Scarborough, aiming to encourage youth and foster connections. At Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, their funding will fund a media arts and robotics laptop lab, a devoted dance and humanities studio, and a sensory room for college students with developmental disabilities. These initiatives are designed to unlock potential, nurture creativity, and equip the subsequent era with the instruments to pursue their desires.
“I’m deeply honored to obtain the Key to the Metropolis. It feels good to be house. Toronto is the place I discovered my voice, and I’m dedicated to serving to the subsequent era discover theirs. That’s why I’m proud to assist the Boys & Women Membership of West Scarborough and my former highschool, Birchmount Park, offering youth with the means to unlock their full potential,” stated Abel Tesfaye.
To additional commemorate “The Weeknd Weekend,” the long-lasting CN Tower will shine in blue and inexperienced, symbolizing his contributions to the Boys & Women Membership of West Scarborough and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute.
The multi-platinum, Diamond-certified artist has persistently shattered world chart information, notably turning into the primary Canadian solo artist to headline the Tremendous Bowl halftime present. Past his musical prowess, Tesfaye is acknowledged for his ardent advocacy for racial and humanitarian justice. Born and raised in West Scarborough, he co-founded HXOUSE in 2018, a Toronto-based not-for-profit artistic incubator devoted to supporting younger entrepreneurs and creatives.
Since 2020, The Weeknd has demonstrated outstanding philanthropy, donating over $10 million to humanitarian causes. This contains $2 million to help the disaster in Ethiopia and $4.5 million to feed tens of millions in Gaza by way of his XO Humanitarian Fund. His philanthropic endeavors additionally embody 2025 fireplace reduction efforts and a tour giveback program the place $1 from each ticket offered on his After Hours Til Daybreak Tour helps the FIFA World Citizen Schooling Fund, offering training to 100,000 kids worldwide.
A recipient of the 2022 Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award and the 2021 Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, Abel Tesfaye continues to function a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN World Meals Programme, leveraging his world platform to drive significant change throughout the globe.
