This Toronto hip-hop artist is teaming up with a chicken chain to raise funds for hurricane relief
Kardinal Offishall is going behind the grill at Nando’s tonight
It’s been a month, but Hurricane Melissa’s devastating effects on Jamaica are ongoing—as are Kardinal Offishall’s efforts to raise funds and awareness. First he asked for prayers. Then he called on Canadians to help the relief efforts. Now he’s stepping behind the grill at Nando’s for a one-night-only fundraising event called Feed Your Family, Feed Jamaica.
Related: What Kardinal Offishall loves about Queen West
Kardi will work his shift alongside the regular staffers at the global chicken chain’s Kennedy Commons location, where every dollar raised will be donated to the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation Relief Fund. Canada’s original hip-hop ambassador (no offence, Drake) was born and raised in Toronto by Jamaican immigrant parents. The musical and cultural traditions of his family’s homeland have always been close to his heart (and his hairstyle).
Hurricane Melissa, which touched down in Jamaica on October 28, was the worst storm to hit the country since 1988, displacing more than 30,000 households. The Canadian government donated $7 million toward humanitarian efforts, with an additional $6 million marked for relief efforts. Canadian celebrities have also stepped up: the Weeknd donated $350,000. Winnie Harlow actually went to Jamaica to participate in a relief mission. And Drake released a $228 limited-edition OVO sweatshirt that earned some side-eye from critics.
Kardi’s chicken initiative feels pretty side-eye proof—unless you happen to be a member of Toronto’s poultry population.
Related: What the cluck? An Etobicoke poultry supplier is suing Popeyes for $35 million
Courtney Shea is a freelance journalist in Toronto. She started her career as an intern at Toronto Life and continues to contribute frequently to the publication, including her 2022 National Magazine Award–winning feature, “The Death Cheaters,” her regular Q&As and her recent investigation into whether Taylor Swift hung out at a Toronto dive bar (she did not). Courtney was a producer and writer on the 2022 documentary The Talented Mr. Rosenberg, based on her 2014 Toronto Life magazine feature “The Yorkville Swindler.”
