Camino for Charity - Good Idea or Not?

[Robo]

Just a thought...

Perhaps experienced Pilgrims could share their views?

The short version...

My wife and I plan to walk CF next year from St Jean. Within our business we like to integrate charity support into everything we do. No need to go into details. But if you are interested, check out "Buy 1 Give 1". A great program.

So it struck me that it would be nice to add a charity component to our Camino. Our customers all know about our program, and it would be very easy to get 'sponsorship' for a walk. i.e. $1 a km that we walk, type of thing. And Yes, all above board, every cent going to those in need etc etc.

But my point is this...

I think it would radically alter our Camino experience. In a good way, it would give us tremendous purpose and commitment to finish.

But on the flip side, it might make the whole journey seem like a 'chore' that we 'must' complete because of our commitment to others. It could actually take away a lot of the freedom that many speak of.

So I guess I'm torn....

Maybe the solution is that we just walk...........and sponsor ourselves And declare the result at the end....

Note added 25/6/2018. We eventually did. http://robscamino.com/2018/790-kilometres-should-mean-something/

 

[Al the optimist]

I walked once for charity. Yes it was a different experience. I found it less spiritual for some reason.

 

[koilife]

My son and I raised about $12,000, which included carrying about 10 lbs of extra weight in rocks. This actually added to the depth and richness of our camino.

Freedom from things should make possible freedom for greater things . . . "and the greatest of these is love."

 

[Metropolly]

Every time I've set off on any stretch of the camino for more than two weeks at a time, everyone (other than fellow pilgrims) asks: 'Are you going to do it for charity?' No, I am not. Some people walk the Way because of some big event in their lives, and seek sponsorship to raise funds for the particular cause linked to their motivation for walking. This is a good idea for them because it is a healing process, and adds to the feeling they are doing something constructive against the uncontrollable event that hit them. For myself, as I walk purely for my own personal and spiritual fulfillment and enjoyment, I don't see why anyone would want to sponsor that any more than I'd want to sponsor their two weeks in Lanzarote. That's just me, though - every pilgrim is different, and I think it's lovely that you are looking for ways to benefit others while walking

 

[Robo]

I walked once for charity. Yes it was a different experience. I found it less spiritual for some reason.

That's my fear Al. That it won't be 'our' Camino anymore. Sounds selfish I know. And this is our first.

 

[Robo]

My son and I raised about $12,000, which included carrying about 10 lbs of extra weight in rocks. This actually added to the depth and richness of our camino.

Freedom from things should make possible freedom for greater things . . . "and the greatest of these is love."

Well done! what a great effort.

 

[Robo]

Every time I've set off on any stretch of the camino for more than two weeks at a time, everyone (other than fellow pilgrims) asks: 'Are you going to do it for charity?' No, I am not. Some people walk the Way because of some big event in their lives, and seek sponsorship to raise funds for the particular cause linked to their motivation for walking. This is a good idea for them because it is a healing process, and adds to the feeling they are doing something constructive against the uncontrollable event that hit them. For myself, as I walk purely for my own personal and spiritual fulfillment and enjoyment, I don't see why anyone would want to sponsor that any more than I'd want to sponsor their two weeks in Lanzarote. That's just me, though - every pilgrim is different, and I think it's lovely that you are looking for ways to benefit others while walking

Thanks for sharing these thoughts.

 

[Kitsambler]

...it might make the whole journey seem like a 'chore' that we 'must' complete because of our commitment to others. It could actually take away a lot of the freedom that many speak of.

Personally, this is where my vote would fall too. That added pressure and social obligation would interfere with the personal spiritual component of my journey. I realize the experience of others may differ, of course.

 

[IngridF]

Just a thought...

Perhaps experienced Pilgrims could share their views?

The short version...

My wife and I plan to walk CF next year from St Jean. Within our business we like to integrate charity support into everything we do. No need to go into details. But if you are interested, check out "Buy 1 Give 1". A great program.

So it struck me that it would be nice to add a charity component to our Camino. Our customers all know about our program, and it would be very easy to get 'sponsorship' for a walk. i.e. $1 a km that we walk, type of thing. And Yes, all above board, every cent going to those in need etc etc.

But my point is this...

I think it would radically alter our Camino experience. In a good way, it would give us tremendous purpose and commitment to finish.

But on the flip side, it might make the whole journey seem like a 'chore' that we 'must' complete because of our commitment to others. It could actually take away a lot of the freedom that many speak of.

So I guess I'm torn....

Maybe the solution is that we just walk...........and sponsor ourselves And declare the result at the end....

Robo, as I prepared to walk my Camino, I expressed the same idea with an organization I volunteer with. They all thought it was a great idea. I was going to walk and they were going do handle the fundraising. Same idea dollar/km or fixed amount. I kept them in the loop of my progress, I got little feedback. It did not distract from my experience on the Camino, because I walked for myself and the fundraiser was a wonderful opportunity to tag on. Well, I guess I was more invested in the idea than the people who were left in charge at the home front. Coming home and finding out how little was done over the 2 months I walked, was a let down. Would I do it again, probably. I would make sure however, that everyone is on the same page and as enthusiastic and invested as I.

Wishing you Buen Camino Ingrid

 

[WildPlace]

When I did my first Camino last year I considered fundraising but as my own health hadn't been 100% I didn't want to feel undue pressure to complete the walk and didn't want to let people down if I stopped part way through so I didn't publicise anything in advance. Happily my health improved as I walked and I made it the whole way from SJPdP to Santiago taking it easily and steadily for 6 weeks.

Most people knew that one of the reasons I was walking was because it was the 10th anniversary of losing my son and once I was home and had sorted out my photos to put online I also included a link to the fund I had set up in my son's name to raise money for the childrens hospice that cared for him. People were very generous.

Buen camino

 

[Deleted member 31702]

I am 67, arthitic and have recently recovered from a smashed pelvis and a broken neck.
I had used too many narcotic painkillers.
I stopped them dead. The only way. I then suffered 6 weeks of 'Alheimers"- home, wife, kids who were they? etc Horror! Hence $ for Alzheimer's care etc. - (How terrible to be stuck in amnesia, confusing the past with present and with no future. )
www.fightdementia.org.au is my chosen charity

The MAN had already told me to walk 1,000km.- the ancient pilgim route 'Camino' from France to the End of the World: 'FinisTerra'; "Agony,Joy and Redemption" were promised!! But I would be walking for ME.
But would I?.....No!!
It was obvious to me that the bank would lend me $6,000. I own my own home.
None of the Banks would lend a penny.
I am, in their young eyes, to old and only on a state pension.
The day I would have landed in Paris I landed in a culvert 2 metres down. Pitch black, heavy rain. Later, in bed, with two broken ribs and the laughter of my family and pub friends in my ears. I was heartbroken...
and learned a lesson.
I have already tried the local radio and they don't seem tto intersested in airing my story.
Neither do either the Catholic church or the rotary.
You can view all my correspondence and enthusiasm on earlier posts before April this year.!!

I have booked Cairns to Paris on 1 September 14. All that is mising is the money!
I don't want to land in another culvert!

Any ideas would be very welcome.
dave

 

[Houlet]

I did the Camino Frances this year for charity and I don't think it made much difference to my experience.

The fund raising while I was walking was done by others in the UK and all I had to do was e-mail daily updates and pics ( where possible)

I didn't really see the point of trying to raise funds on the camino for British charities since most of the people I met were from other parts of the world and have their own deserving causes.

Before going away I was involved in fundraising, and we have other events planned like talks to local groups over the winter. At present we have raised just over £2 000 and hope to get that somewhere in excess of £2 500.

So I would say yes, it is worthwhile.

 

[tyrrek]

What a great question, and I completely understand the dilemma.

Is it possible that you could raise awareness of your Camino among customers and contacts without asking for any sponsorship or anything else in advance? If you wanted, you could even get people involved by setting up an online map/blog so they could follow your progress, but all on your terms. You could be upfront about saying that you're not walking directly for charity, but at the same time remind them of your program and thank them for their support so far.

This approach would leave the door open for you to act on your reflections when you get back. Maybe your experience will make you want to shift the focus of your charitable work, or open up a new strand of it. You would have an audience already aware and (to some extent) primed to help get things kicked off. You may not raise as much money as you would by a more direct approach, but that wouldn't really be the point.

If your Camino ended up being more personal, fine. You haven't promised anything.

It's difficult to see if this could work without knowing your business or who your customers/clients are, of course! Good luck, and Buen Camino!

 

[Tia Valeria]

Terry was going on pilgrimage but others suggested he walked for FCN - a farming charity. Others worked on the sponsorship, including FCN themselves and our own church, not Terry. (Edit:- Terry paid all his own expenses, the funds collected all went direct to FCN or to FCN at Just Giving)
Kiwi-family are currently walking for a water charity, MrsDD is already mentioned, Windswept is walking for a hospice. I think that all of these have worked at looking for sponsors themselves. The decision has to be yours and whether it will be a distraction, a help and encouragement or an extra burden along your camino.
We have spoken to some churches about our Caminos with any funds given then going either to the church or a chosen charity - that works now well for us.
Buen Camino

 

[peregrina2000]

I've frequently thought about this, since I'm over on the camino every year. I have never done it, but I have walked with people who have. On two of my earliest caminos, my walking partner walked for a charity. The first time, she pledged to match the gifts she got. It was for Unicef or some large charity. Her rationale was that she too had to have some "skin in the game." How can you say that walking the camino is your "contribution"?! So, she reasoned, I'm spending $$ on myself to walk the Camino while asking others to give to my charity, I'm having an amazing experience, and I'm asking other people to donate money in recognition of what -- of my sacrifice? I am not criticizing other people who do it this way, just trying to explain a different point of view -- which may explain why so many of these walks don't get close to their fundraising goal. I don't remember the amount she raised, but it was not inconsequential, and with her match, it was a lot.

The second time, she walked for a small local charity and the charity itself took up much of the promotion. That makes a huge difference in terms of gifts. Many of the donors were not even known to my friend, just people who liked the charity and saw another occasion to give.

I don't think my friend felt any pressure at all to continue, in fact she had a number of fully disclosed "bus days" -- the understanding was that donors would have the option of not contributing if she didn't finish. In fact, on one of the caminos, she gave an option based on $$ per km walked or something like that. I don't think that really has an impact on the donors at all, if they are going to give, they'll give, and if you wind up having to go home in Orisson, they will probably just give their donation anyway.

I do like the idea of raising money for a favorite charity, though, and one of these days when I do a really long one, I'm going to figure out the details. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Deleted member 31702]

Thanks everyone for your replies. People seem to become obtuse when I am asking for money for me so that I can get funds for Alzheimers.Org. I think the economic term is leverage, the short end of the stick on a pivot is my $6,000, and the money raise on the long end is ?20,000.00? for the charity. Thrice weekly videos to Utube,
or whatevever.
Cast your bread on the waters --I am writing to Clive Palmer; I am sure he would like his name on Posters as co-patron of the walk. I am requesting merely that the air fare to be payed direct to the flight centre - no possibility of a con to do it that way.
regards dave

 

[Magwood]

I have walked two caminos. I walked them for myself. But someone suggested I try to get sponsorship, if I am doing it anyway. It was easy. I felt under no pressure. I developed a sponsorship form and local villagers could opt to donate in any way they wished.

In the event, all gave a set amount, varying from 5 euros to 50 euros. Some paid up front, not really concerned if I fully completed the walk or not, whereas some chose to hand over their cash when I returned triumphant! I live in a small community with many calls on charity-giving purse strings, but nevertheless I was amazed and delighted to find that we had raised a sum of over 900 euros for a local charity called CUDECA a cancer hospice. I also set up a 'just giving' page in favour of Macmillan nurses for my friends living elsewhere who wished to support me and we raised a further £250 here. Fortunately my partner is not embarrassed to ask people if they would like to donate, although it would have probably been a different result if it had been up to me to 'rattle the tin'.

I wrote a couple of articles for a local magazine and wrote a daily blog that became very popular, but I felt under no pressure whatsoever due to the charity fundraising.

We are not doing quite so well with fundraising this year, there are so many calls on people's limited funds at the moment, and the charity we are supporting held another event during the same period. But I was not perturbed, the charity benefits at the end of the day, it doesn't matter through which channel the money arrives. I think the current balance is about 350 euros, and I am sure it will be gratefully received.

If you want to raise money for charity and you are, like me, a bit 'backward in coming forward' and don't like to ask people for money, then get someone else to do it on your behalf.

 

[Silvester]

When I did my first Camino last year I considered fundraising but as my own health hadn't been 100% I didn't want to feel undue pressure to complete the walk and didn't want to let people down if I stopped part way through so I didn't publicise anything in advance. Happily my health improved as I walked and I made it the whole way from SJPdP to Santiago taking it easily and steadily for 6 weeks.

Most people knew that one of the reasons I was walking was because it was the 10th anniversary of losing my son and once I was home and had sorted out my photos to put online I also included a link to the fund I had set up in my son's name to raise money for the childrens hospice that cared for him. People were very generous.

Buen camino

I'm thinking that although walking so many km seems made for fundraising, I don't want to feel obligated or pressured to do anything. So the idea of a retrospective campaign for funds appeals. I hadn't thought of this angle before.

 

[William Marques]

Every time I've set off on any stretch of the Camino for more than two weeks at a time, everyone (other than fellow pilgrims) asks: 'Are you going to do it for charity?' No, I am not. Some people walk the Way because of some big event in their lives, and seek sponsorship to raise funds for the particular cause linked to their motivation for walking. This is a good idea for them because it is a healing process, and adds to the feeling they are doing something constructive against the uncontrollable event that hit them. For myself, as I walk purely for my own personal and spiritual fulfilment and enjoyment, I don't see why anyone would want to sponsor that any more than I'd want to sponsor their two weeks in Lanzarote. That's just me, though - every pilgrim is different, and I think it's lovely that you are looking for ways to benefit others while walking

I agree with Metropolly. It has never occurred to me to ask for money for a charity on a pilgrimage and I would not give to a charity because X was walking. I can understand if you are closely connected with a charity in your normal everyday life that an event such as the Camino would seem like a good opportunity to raise funds and people committed to that cause would probably contribute. However having been involved in a marathon sponsorship where not all the money went to the charity I prefer to give directly.

 

[koilife]

Thanks everyone for your replies. People seem to become obtuse when I am asking for money for me so that I can get funds for Alzheimers.Org. I think the economic term is leverage, the short end of the stick on a pivot is my $6,000, and the money raise on the long end is ?20,000.00? for the charity. Thrice weekly videos to Utube,
or whatevever.
Cast your bread on the waters --I am writing to Clive Palmer; I am sure he would like his name on Posters as co-patron of the walk. I am requesting merely that the air fare to be payed direct to the flight centre - no possibility of a con to do it that way.
regards dave

I assume you're asking people to pay your personal pilgrimage costs (air, lodging, food, etc.). I suspect it would be better received by donors if you were to state categorically that you are paying your own way and that all received donations go to charity (you appear less self-serving, etc.).

It probably also simplifies the risk of tax fraud implications. For a donation to be written off against one's taxes in the US, it must go to a qualified organization. Paying the airline on your behalf won't qualify for the giver to deduct, but could require reporting because of the size. I'm not a tax expert, but you might want to talk with one to make sure you're on the "long side" of your tax laws on this one.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I think it is nice to do the camino for charity. I have supported (and am supporting!) several such pilgrimages myself, because I believe in the cause. (I would have given anyway, I hope!)

That said, I think I pilgrimage is completely charitable act in itself. Adding the extra "meaningfulness" of fundraising for charities is neither necessary nor particularly laudable. You are taking on a journey of discovery and spirit, a truly noble cause. People who know and love you will, if they are so moved, slip you an extra tenner to help you on the way, in the spirit of ancient pilgrims. The camino is not so much about Walking Kilometers For The Cure, or Africa, or Water, or Whatever. It is about making THE PILGRIM into full and complete Human Spirit. (And it is those kinds of people who go on to find Cures, etc.)

Using the camino for charity fundraisers is an innovation. I am not opposed to charity. But a pilgrim is making himself a needy person in making this trip. Adding the extra weight of modern fund-raising is "gilding the lily" at best, and "vulgar begging" at worst. If he is a pilgrim, he is already stripped-down to the minimum, walking long days, crucifying the flesh, etc. Why ask him to shake down the populace for any cause other than his own bread and wine?

Me? I say do your pilgrimage for you, and for the people you know, and the people you meet. Pilgrimages are all about Right Here, Right Now. Let the path turn you into what you need to become. And fully formed people are full of charity. Charity way beyond the bureaucratic fundraising machines so many have become...

 

[thetravellingpen]

I am walking from Pamplona starting 11 July and I am raising both awareness and funds for Elfe's World, a sanctuary here on my island for dogs rescued from the dog meat trade. A wonderful lady looks after about 700 dogs on her land. I will be blogging along the way and the first post is up which is about Elfe's World. Www.travellingpen.com.

 

[LesBrass]

... everyone (other than fellow pilgrims) asks: 'Are you going to do it for charity?'

I've had this from perhaps 80% of my friends... some are quite insistent that I should walk for charity but I really think it will be give me added pressure that I dont want. I had cancer and whilst I've not been put under pressure to walk for charity, a few people have made me feel a little uncomfortable for not doing so... because of my history.

I guess it's all down to personal choice but for me it was a definate no... and it does make me feel a little selfish.

 

[Cate A]

I'm not walking for charity but as I've prepared I've thought more about the fact that at about the age I am now my mum was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. So I'm compromising, I've set up a page on Just Giving for the MNDA and when people ask if I'm walking for charity I can direct them to that.

 

[Tia Valeria]

I've had this from perhaps 80% of my friends... some are quite insistent that I should walk for charity but I really think it will be give me added pressure that I dont want. I had cancer and whilst I've not been put under pressure to walk for charity, a few people have made me feel a little uncomfortable for not doing so... because of my history.

I guess it's all down to personal choice but for me it was a definate no... and it does make me feel a little selfish.

We have debated about walking for charity again in the future but it would be an added pressure, which like you Les, we would not want. A personal choice as always, but I don't think you need feel selfish.

 

[Kanga]

If my motivation was to raise money it would make more sense to donate the cost of my airfare from Australia (considerable), and travel expenses for 6 weeks.

Nothing about walking the Camino is very logical! Part of the joy.

 

[Al the optimist]

I had recently planned to walk the Frances to Leon, then the El Salvador and the Primitivo. When the heels of my boots wore down smooth I decided it was too risky to carry on so I stopped at Oviedo. Now if I had been doing it for charity I might have felt obliged to continue with who knows what consequences (I had slipped because of this already and cut my knee). I did once get talked into raising money for a local hospice when I was walking a walk I was going to do anyway (the Ingles). Personally I don't want the added responsiobility again.

 

[indyinmaine]

That's my fear Al. That it won't be 'our' Camino anymore. Sounds selfish I know. And this is our first.

Selfish is a much misused word. If you have chosen to walk the Camino to enrich your "self" or increase your spirituality you are not selfish. I considered walking last year to raise funds for the local Catholic radio station. While that was probably a commendable idea I finally decided that it would focus the walk on me. That would be selfish!

 

[Bohemiana]

I'm doing my first Camino in late April and I'm doing it for the Lewy Body Dementia Association and in memory of my Dad who died of complications from it last July. Of course I want to raise money for the charity but I also want to create awareness. LBD is the second-most common form of dementia (behind Alzheimer's) but often misdiagnosed by doctors. LBD is a combination of dementia and Parkinson's Disease but despite motor skill problems, my Dad was an avid walker--he walked daily until the day he broke his hip and died. He will be with me along the way!

I plan on putting a short message on the back of my backpack that just explains what LBD is and if I can help one fellow walker on the Camino identify LBD in their loved one, I will be glad. Maybe a message on my pack is overboard for some walkers but I hope it will open a conversation with people who really want to know about it.
Here is my blog about our fundraising walk and LBD--WalkWithLewy
And my Twitter about the walk

 

[ThisIsSpain]

FASCINATING ....absolutely FASCINATING! I have been on these forums for about 6 weeks and I suppose it's the question I have always wanted to ask. It's hugely interesting to see so many different opinions ,,,,,,of course, NOBODY is right and NOBODY is wrong.

Some background to my input. A close friend from Norway cycled from Oslo to Cape Town, South Africa! 10 months, 33,000 kms. He struggled badly for social media support. I was in bed (long story!) and offered to help. He struggled more and I offered to support him full-time. He continued to struggle and I realised he needed some "physical" support so I set off on a 4 month cycle trip in the UK. Day one minus one. EVERYTHING I owned in the world was burnt to the ground in a storage centre fire in Spain. EVERYTHING. I had two panniers on a borrowed bike in a strange country I had not been to for 10 years and knew almost nobody. Give in, give up, go on? Because I WAS riding for a charity I felt I MUST go on. I personally think if I did not have the best wishes of others I might have got the next plane home.

Two months later, I was knocked off my bike by a hit-and-run driver and left for dead on a country road. I was unconscious for four hours and in a bad way when the paramedics scraped me out of a ditch. I came too in the ambulance and apparently started screaming at them in Spanish and demanding to know why they were speaking English!! 99.99% of me said, "Go home". I went on ...... "Why, Steve?" ..... because I had the best wishes of so many urging me on. My FB fans tripled/my twitter followers doubled etc. Hotels/restaurants heard of my story and gave me beds, meals etc Because I WAS riding for a charity I felt I MUST go on. So, I did

Now, I was NOT raising money. I was raising awareness and I arrogantly believe we did some good. (2 million page views etc) The UNHCR lectured us before we went. "Guys, do one thing or the other, not both. Either aim to raise money OR awareness. If you try to do both, you WILL fail. Believe us . We have been involved in this for 50 years." Being quite equivocal to money, I was happy not to have to touch it.

So, in a gauche way, I am saying FOR ME working with a charity would be a hugely positive "pressure". Walking for cancer/CUDECA, heart disease etc would get me up the last hill every day, would get me up when my joints scream they want rest and give me a reason to smile when the snows come. I can see that for others that might be a pressure that they may not want to carry. Nobody is right, nobody is wrong.

FASCINATING, quite fascinating ......I am so grateful to have seen this thread and for people's honest views.

Buen camino a todos.

 

[Robo]

Interesting views...

I think if I was ever to do it for charity though, at least in my view, it would be wrong to use donations to somehow 'subsidise' my efforts. Charity should be for charity....

We do a lot of charity support in our business and we make sure every cent goes to those in need, unlike many of the big well known charities where up to 70% of donations fund admin and marketing! I really have an issue with that...

 

[Al the optimist]

I agree Robo. When I walked the Ingles and chose to get sponsored for a local hospice all collected money went to it.

 

[clearskiescamino]

The Camino was introduced to me through a charity in Ireland. So..if it was not for them, I would not have had this healthy addiction
Raising money for ANY charity is always a good thing, whether it is walking the Camino or climbing Kilmanjaro.

So I would say, go for it!
And by telling people you are walking for this good charity, you are introducing them to the Camino at the same time.

WIN - WIN in my books!

 

[Houlet]

I agree Robo. When I walked the Ingles and chose to get sponsored for a local hospice all collected money went to it.

Same here, I would have walked the camino anyway so I paid all my expenses.

 

[Robo]

Pat and I were discussing this idea again, prior to the Camino we have just completed in early June 2018.
We were still a bit 'torn' about it.

Would it change the way we walked the Camino?
Would it add and additional burden?
What if we couldn't complete it?

We came up with a solution, that we felt comfortable with.
I was not sure if I should share it here, as you might appreciate.

But it might gives ideas to others......
http://robscamino.com/2018/790-kilometres-should-mean-something/

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

In 2015 I walked also for KIKA , thats for children with cancer .
People deposit what ever they want on a bank account and after my Camino I closed that bank account and transferred the money to KIKA .
The way I did this worked fine for me.

Wish you well, Peter.

 

[peregrina2000]

Pat and I were discussing this idea again, prior to the Camino we have just completed in early June 2018.
We were still a bit 'torn' about it.

Would it change the way we walked the Camino?
Would it add and additional burden?
What if we couldn't complete it?

We came up with a solution, that we felt comfortable with.
I was not sure if I should share it here, as you might appreciate.

But it might gives ideas to others......
http://robscamino.com/2018/790-kilometres-should-mean-something/

Hi, Rob,
The link to your blog is awesome. I have never been so intentional about linking my camino to my charitable giving, but your ideas give us all food for thought.

I agree with those who think it’s odd for us to walk the Camino and ask others to contribute in recognition of our “efforts”. I think it was @Kanga who wrote that if my goal was to raise money for a charity, I should donate my airfare and my expenses for 30-plus days and be done with it. But of course we won’t do that, because we want to walk the Camino!!

My opinion is that if we want others to donate to our favorite charity on whose behalf we walk, then we should make sure that we also contribute — by matching their contributions, etc. But to say that our “contribution” is our walking just strikes me as kind of selfish.

 

[Albertagirl]

I am wondering if others have been requested to donate to another pilgrim's chosen charity, while sharing an albergue with that pilgrim. I was not comfortable with this request, although I did not really question that the charity was genuine. I gave nothing. On the other hand, while not on camino I have made donations twice through Go Fund Me to projects associated with the camino, which I knew were not official charities. This was my choice. What do you think?

 

[Robo]

I am wondering if others have been requested to donate to another pilgrim's chosen charity, while sharing an albergue with that pilgrim. I was not comfortable with this request, although I did not really question that the charity was genuine. I gave nothing. On the other hand, while not on camino I have made donations twice through Go Fund Me to projects associated with the camino, which I knew were not official charities. This was my choice. What do you think?

I have met a couple of people who mentioned they were walking for charity. I asked where I could donate and they told me. But generally it makes me feel a bit awkward. Hence the reason we did not ask others to donate.

 

[grayland]

The thread has been closed to future comments for now.
This subject has generated many links to causes and charities in the past. We have no way to verify these organizations or causes.

 

[grayland]

The thread has been re-opened for now ... provided that posters refrain from posting references or links to causes or charities.
They will be deleted.

The OP discussion concerns the question of whether walking for a cause changes the dynamics of a Camino.
Please keep the discussion in that area.

 

[Deleted member 36903]

The thread has been re-opened for now ... provided that posters refrain from posting references or links to causes or charities.
They will be deleted.

The OP discussion concerns the question of whether walking for a cause changes the dynamics of a Camino.
Please keep the discussion in that area.

On my first Camino I met a woman who was linking her walk to a donations to the hospice that had cared for her father-in-law. The way she set up arrangements was not a pay-per-kilometre donation but a one-off. But t it was also a way of the people who knew her and her deceased relative, to ‘share’ in her journey by following her progress. As she was only walking from Burgos to Astorga, & had walked the CF twice before, she accepted that it wouldn’t offer the same spiritual experience but made a point of stopping at every open church to light a candle.

 

[LGLG]

I am wondering if others have been requested to donate to another pilgrim's chosen charity, while sharing an albergue with that pilgrim. I was not comfortable with this request, although I did not really question that the charity was genuine. I gave nothing. On the other hand, while not on camino I have made donations twice through Go Fund Me to projects associated with the camino, which I knew were not official charities. This was my choice. What do you think?

For some reason I can't quite put my finger on, I don't think I would feel comfortable in that situation either - something about being a pilgrim and asking (other than in a direct emergency) - even when this is for others - doesn't quite sit right with me. Raising awareness, on the other hand, if done so mindfully and unobtrusively, would be much more acceptable, and could turn out to be more fruitful in the long run.

 

[TMcA]

Just me...

I worry that linking a charitable cause to a Camino creates an unfortunate slight degree of commercialization that may extend to all of our Caminos.

Personally, what I find so rewarding is the uniqueness of each of the times I have walked on these Camino routes. That uniqueness includes especially the sharing of conversations, meals, and time walking with strangers. And to the degree it is welcome, I enjoy very much sharing anecdotes when I return home. But it has been my experience that few people know much about the Caminos de Santiago. And if their first introduction happened to be some form of fundraising effort, this might easily mislead them as far as why most people decide to undertake one of these walks.

Just my 2 cents.

Tom

 

[Robo]

Just me...

I worry that linking a charitable cause to a Camino creates an unfortunate slight degree of commercialization that may extend to all of our Caminos.

personally, what I find so rewarding is the uniqueness of each of the times I have walked on these Camino routes. That uniqueness includes especially the sharing of conversations, meals, and time walking with strangers. And to the degree it is welcome, I enjoy very much sharing anecdotes when I return home. But it has been my experience that few people know much about the Caminos de Santiago. And if their first introduction happened to be some form of fundraising effort, this might easily mislead them as far as why most people decide to undertake one of these walks.

Just my 2 cents.

Tom

I tend to agree @TMcA . We added it at the end as something to bring another aspect of meaning to our Camino. And it was not to seek external donations. (no one is able to) It was just a personal gesture. I might do that again, (at the end) but nothing that involves other people having to give. It feels like a kind of 'thank you' and 'giving back' for being able to make the journey.

 

[Kanga]

I really like @Robo's approach. We walk for many different reasons. If it results in us being better, kinder, more charitable people, good. If it causes us to think about others, good. If it results in us giving more, good. I also like the concept of raising awareness and in the past I have done that. So when walking I may explain to people that I walk "for" someone, who is not able, and for whom I light candles or have in my thoughts, and I may explain a little about that person.

Personally it makes no sense for me to walk as a fundraiser - considering the amount of money it costs to get me there and to stay for 6 weeks. I'd have far more to donate if I stayed at home working, and at the end of 6 weeks donated the equivalent of my airfare, cost of equipment, 6 week's accommodation, living expenses, and the money earned during those 6 weeks. Thinking about that makes me realise how very self-indulgent I am.

Would it change the nature of the walk itself? I think it would have to. In my case there is always such uncertainly of finishing any Camino. The pressure!

Imagine how disappointing, too, if you raised very little. Would it undermine your Camino experience?

 

[Robo]

You raise good points @Kanga. We were genuinely worried we might not finish this year.
And so it made sense to us to 'give' once we were finished.
We also talked about it before we started, and decided we didn't need any additional pressure or distraction by telling others about it.
It would certainly change the nature of the walk.......

Asking for donations from external parties would totally change the 'feel' of the walk and Yes, imagine you set a target and got nowhere near it.

For me the Camino is a very personal journey. And not one that I would want to have loads of people tracking my distance and donation targets. I would do something totally different I think in that case to raise funds. (which we do, in our business)

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Just pondering about this a bit more, whilst putting the Kettle on.

I think the idea of 'giving' at the end of our Camino resonated strongly, because IMO at least, the whole Camino is about giving. Isn't it? Giving, sharing, receiving.

Dropping some coins in a church collection box or a sello seller's along the way.
Putting something into the box at David's Cantina on the CF.
Putting a bit extra into a Donativo Albergue box.
Sharing your lunch along the way.
Or some of your first aid kit.
Checking up on a Pilgrim who seems in pain.
Letting someone help you and encourage you on one of those really 'down' days. (I accept that a lot!)
Saying thank you to a fellow Pilgrim for keeping you company, for listening, for just 'being there' at the right time.

Heck, it's the essence of the Camino isn't it? Humanity and Community.

If the Camino need a marketing slogan, maybe it could be:

The Camino
Just 'Be There' for Yourself and for Others

 

[Kanga]

You are a wise man @Robo.

 

[LGLG]

[QUOTE="Robo, post: 635702, member: 31043"
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I think the idea of 'giving' at the end of our Camino resonated strongly, because IMO at least, the whole Camino is about giving. Isn't it? Giving, sharing, receiving

Yes! ... And even though we invariably receive so much more from the Camino than we ever could give in return to it or to others, it should not stop us from giving as much as we can, in the best way we know how.
Let's count our many blessings.