Darren Hayes Completes 6,000-Mile Pontoon Journey for Charity
Former Savage Garden frontman Darren Hayes has completed a remarkable 6,000-mile journey by pontoon boat to raise awareness and funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. Setting off from Tierra Verde in June and returning in September, Hayes spent the duration of his trip sleeping on the 22-foot-long pontoon, named Birdie Rey after a resilient young girl he met along the way.
Hayes' adventure began as part of the WWF's 'Amazon: The Flooded Forest' campaign in 2009. He documented his journey and shared his experiences through his website and social media platforms to raise awareness about the destruction of the world's largest river system and its impact on biodiversity. This was not the first time Hayes had supported the WWF; he had previously donated to their projects and used his public influence to promote environmental conservation.
During his recent voyage, Hayes raised approximately $12,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. He accepted donations until the end of October on his website and also collected funds through his social media presence, Makin Wake, and stops along his route, including his hometown outside of Chicago.
Hayes' journey has not only raised significant funds for a worthy cause but has also brought attention to the importance of environmental conservation, particularly the protection of the Amazon's river systems and their diverse ecosystems. His dedication to using his platform to raise awareness for such causes is commendable, and his efforts have undoubtedly made a positive impact.
