- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 15,16,18
VdlP 23, Invierno 23, Fisterra 23
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That's my fear Al. That it won't be 'our' Camino anymore. Sounds selfish I know. And this is our first.I walked once for charity. Yes it was a different experience. I found it less spiritual for some reason.
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."
Thanks for sharing these thoughts.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
...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.
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 ourselvesAnd declare the result at the end....
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.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
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 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.).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
... everyone (other than fellow pilgrims) asks: 'Are you going to do it for charity?'
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.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.
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!That's my fear Al. That it won't be 'our' Camino anymore. Sounds selfish I know. And this is our first.
I agree Robo. When I walked the Ingles and chose to get sponsored for a local hospice all collected money went to it.
Hi, Rob,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/
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?
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.
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.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?
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
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