The Weeknd Receives Key To The City Ahead Of Hometown Toronto Shows

The Weeknd was honored with a key to Toronto ahead of his four concerts at Rogers Centre on July 27-28 and August 7-8. Mayor Olivia Chow – who also proclaimed that July 26 and 27 would be known citywide as the “Weeknd Weekend” – praised the artist, born Abel Tesfaye, for reshaping modern music and his philanthropic efforts, including a $500,000 donation to Scarborough Health Network and co-founding the local non-profit HXOUSE, which supports aspiring artists. “I am proud to honor one of our city’s greatest artists with a Key to the City to celebrate his contributions to music, society and our culture,” Chow said. “I’m deeply honored to receive the Key to the City,” the Weeknd said in a statement. “It feels good to be home. Toronto is where I found my voice, and I’m committed to helping the next generation find theirs.” Tesfaye, who is in the midst of his After Hours ‘Til Dawn Tour, also announced that he will be supporting the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and his former high school. Birchmount Park, to provide area youth “with the means to unlock their full potential.” (Billboard)