The Ethiopian origin-Canadian music star Abel Tesfaye A.K.A The Weekend donated $50,000 for the establishment of Ethiopic studies in the University of Toronto in Canada.
According to press release from Bikila Awards, the actual cheque will be presented On Saturday at the ‘Bikila Barefoot Challenge’ event at The University of Toronto.
Coupled with the donation by renowned Grammy Awards winner, Artist Abel Tesfaye – The Weeknd, organizers so far raised $170,000 to help fund start a Geez (ancient Ethiopian language) course in Ethiopic studies at the University of Toronto.
It is to be recalled that The Weeknd made a similar donation to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Toronto.
The university and Bikila Award will be co-hosting the ‘Bikila Barefoot Challenge’ event that will be held at the world-class Varsity Stadium at 299 Bloor St West, beginning at 5:00 pm.
The event is a fundraising initiative in support of the establishment of Ethiopic Studies Program at the University of Toronto.
Many dignitaries including the 10 years world Marathon record holder Belaineh Densemo will be in attendance of the athletics and fun filled event on Saturday.
The ‘Bikila Barefoot Challenge’ is part of a larger fundraising campaign that began in 2015 when University of Toronto Professor Michael Gervers pledged $50,000 of his personal finances if the University and wider Ethiopian Diaspora community would help to match and expand donations.
