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No, it's not acceptable to me!I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I’m going for my third Camino, I am not retired so I have to work extra hours, save my PTO and wait 1 1/2 years for 1st Camino, 6 months for 2nd and over a year for my 3rd coming up this Summer. I’ve scrimped and saved never thinking about asking others to fund me. If this is the new thing, will you GoFundMe?
Thoughts?
Not a completely new idea. A 21st century variation on the old concept of pilgrimage by proxy I think. There was a thread a couple of years ago about a man who offered to walk pilgrimages for a substantial fee to pay off the vows and spiritual obligations of his sponsors vicariously ;-)
I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I typed gofundme camino santiago into Google and looked through a number of GoFundMe pages that came up. A considerable number are people who are raising money for a charitable cause, not for themselves. Some are college students on a college trip from the USA. Others ask for money to finance their individual camino. I did not read these pages very carefully but my overall impression was that it was for their well-being, ie better mental or physical health, personal growth, but as I said I did not read in great depth as there is often a LOT of text on these pages.For what purpose are these people walking the Camino? Are they religious enthusiasts? Penitents? Sightseeing tourists? Extreme sportsmen?
There are people out there who for any number of reasons simply cannot afford to walk the Camino, whatever their motivation to do so. It will just never happen without some type of financial assistance as it can be quite expensive to just get to Spain from outside the European continent.Or better still ‘go fund’ a charity. My partner has raised over 5,000 euros for a local cancer charity in sponsorship for my walks. I would never dream of asking for any contribution towards my costs.
I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I’m going for my third Camino, I am not retired so I have to work extra hours, save my PTO and wait 1 1/2 years for 1st Camino, 6 months for 2nd and over a year for my 3rd coming up this Summer. I’ve scrimped and saved never thinking about asking others to fund me. If this is the new thing, will you GoFundMe?
Thoughts?
Of course it is begging, panhandling, tin cup rattling, pass the hat etc, and just as I occasionally throw coins in a beggars cup, I would throw digital money into the web based cup of some economically strained person wanting to walk the Camino. Mind you, I do realize there is some blind trust involved. Choose your recipients wisely I suppose. Who's to say the person doesn't take the money and spend it on cocaine and strippers, or new electronics etc. Same with the beggar on the street. Is he going to take those coins and bills and eat, or is going to by a bottle of hootch or a hit of heroin?Without malice but as a point of personal observation, I view that type of GoFundMe as Social Media Begging.
For some things -- like medical care bills -- it can be a Godsend as an avenue for fund raising. However, for a lot of the 'personal fulfillment desires' that are begging for funds, it is no different in my mind, than someone who is standing on a street corner, signs displayed, asking for money. Or of beggars seeking money along the Caminos.
It is legal, as is some allowable street side begging, so it is what it is. Let the taxing authorities decide if this is considered 'income' or not.
Of course it is begging, panhandling, tin cup rattling, pass the hat etc, and just as I occasionally throw coins in a beggars cup, I would throw digital money into the web based cup of some economically strained person wanting to walk the Camino. Mind you, I do realize there is some blind trust involved. Choose your recipients wisely I suppose. Who's to say the person doesn't take the money and spend it on cocaine and strippers, or new electronics etc. Same with the beggar on the street. Is he going to take those coins and bills and eat, or is going to by a bottle of hootch or a hit of heroin?
quien sabe?
That is a rather pigeon holing comment and nothing that I have experienced in the broad sense. As a generalization or stereotype. I have lived and experienced both sides of the fence.It's also ingrained in America's psyche to be very individualistic and...the attitude of "I worked hard for years to save etc, so heck no I don't want to make it easy for someone else when I had it hard" is a familiar attitude I was raised with (and loathe)....it's very me/mine.
I think so, @KinkyOne.Any sense in all this?
Amen.People are SO weird about money!
Bautifully put!I think so, @KinkyOne.
People can ask, and I can give - or not.
The weight of consequence lies with the person doing the asking. If someone's lying to get cash for whatever they're planting bad seeds which will eventually produce a bitter harvest. But planting good seeds of letting go and sharing will always bring sweet fruit, in the moment and later.
Anyway it's not 'my money,' it's just a proxy for energy. Which is meant to move, rather than being stuck in one place. Facilitating that movment is a source of genuine happiness. Our culture doesn't teach us that, only quid pro quo. Hence...
Amen.
That is a rather pigeon holing comment and nothing that I have experienced in the broad sense. As a generalization or stereotype. I have lived and experienced both sides of the fence.
While not raised with a silver spoon in my mouth, I was not raised with a wooden one either (more like just plain steel), I did manage, and other family members as well, to do okay and that was done through hard work, taking risks. I would hope that anyone else would want to follow said path. Hard work and risks pay off. I do not believe in making it easy for anyone through a hand-out, and I mean that in the sense of here you go, have fun, good bye. I would want any hand-up (not hand-out) to be an investment. Like I said before, a seed sown. That seed sprouts into further goodwill in the future.
One thing I do draw the line on a bit is the youtuber's asking for money. Some just want free funding for their permanent vacation. Ummm....no.
How? Enlighten, please....Perhaps it was a pigeonholed-esque comment, and maybe I proved my own point about one's relationship to money.I always think of these types of campaigns as an energy exchange, a way to give back or support someone who has created something meaningful. Or like you said, a seed sown.
I typed gofundme camino santiago into Google and looked through a number of GoFundMe pages that came up. A considerable number are people who are raising money for a charitable cause, not for themselves.
Which is why I never give to beggars.
I always give to beggars, even when I know that I'm being humbugged. (I've even given money to the the Galician ladies with that bogus petition for the deaf and dumb!)
That said, let me complain for a moment. Whenever I pass through any of the larger towns/cities on the Camino Frances wearing my clerical collar I'm swarmed with beggars! The collar is a beggar magnet, sigh.... I have to keep a pocket full of small bills....
I sometimes give to beggars and sometimes not. However, when on camino I made a point of trying to always give to the beggars I encountered. The spirit of charity seemed to be consistent with trying to be a pilgrim.I always give to beggars, even when I know that I'm being humbugged. (I've even given money to the the Galician ladies with that bogus petition for the deaf and dumb!)
this thread has me curious now. I'll have to research some of those gofundme's and if there is one that touches me, I will throw some copper their way
Food for thought. I'm with those who, in general, rarely gives money to "beggars" and donates occasionally to a charity of one sort or another, apart from the few coins or a small banknote during collection in church. I even loathe being asked to donate when someone goes on a self-financed trip and raises money for a good cause in addition to it.Topics such as this really illustrate our own relationship and views towards money, wealth (lack thereof), "begging" etc---not the actual person doing the GoFundMe. I notice the word "beggars" being tossed about on this thread
I had to go back and check. It was actually for the 2 pilgrims and 2 others who walked with them just in case as one of them had a rare form of epilepsy. This was the breakdown:$12,000 for 2 people???? Unless they're coming from Mars that seems like an awful lot of money. Were there any special circumstances that necessitated such a large amount?
Don't forget all the stories you get to tell about this too. You may get more than your money's worth.I joked about what he was going to "exchange" for this. His answer, I kid you not, was: "The great thing about freeganism is that it gives people the opportunity to be generous. You're welcome."
Go Fund an albergue by leaving a substantial donation. I have had the good fortune to be a Hospitalero three times and paid for those expenses from a fixed income of a senior citizen (far from the 1%). I once posted an ad in a church bulletins for "air miles" to help with costs (no response ). An "All Paid Camino" is not a dream of mine although stronger legs have been wished for.I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I’m going for my third Camino, I am not retired so I have to work extra hours, save my PTO and wait 1 1/2 years for 1st Camino, 6 months for 2nd and over a year for my 3rd coming up this Summer. I’ve scrimped and saved never thinking about asking others to fund me. If this is the new thing, will you GoFundMe?
Thoughts?
For me, never; but for others, I’d try to refrain from judging and offer a qualification that it depends. For example, a fund set up by family and friends of a loved one facing a terminal illness and has dreamed of going on pilgrimage. I would contribute to that. But for others, not. To be a pilgrim is to suffer at leadt a little and that suffering may include the sacrifice of saving and foregoing other things in order to go on pilgrimage, which at its core is what the Camino actually is.I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I’m going for my third Camino, I am not retired so I have to work extra hours, save my PTO and wait 1 1/2 years for 1st Camino, 6 months for 2nd and over a year for my 3rd coming up this Summer. I’ve scrimped and saved never thinking about asking others to fund me. If this is the new thing, will you GoFundMe?
Thoughts?
Katarina, there is a crown awaiting you in Heaven.Now that I think about it, for several years, I've made donations - much more than the annual membership fee - to Compostelle 2000 and this also contributes directly to financing two weeks of pilgrimage for a handful of pilgrims every year. But that's not done via GoFundMe.
I need to check whether I've already grown a halo.
It's great and noble to contribute to a cause that speaks to your heart. However, we don't get to Heaven by our works but by faith so that no one can boast.Katarina, there is a crown awaiting you in Heaven.
Freegan.....Well at least a Gofundme page is more honest than what I once encountered... On a lonely winter camino day, I ended up walking with a pilgrim who informed me that he was a practising "freegan". He told me that he had spent the last 6 months living in Europe without any money; he really couldn't say enough about how much freeganism had liberated him. He said he always offered something in return for goods or services, and that the exchange was more honest and human than cash or credit. By the time we got to end of the stage, it was pouring with rain and the albergue was closed. I knew this so had booked a hotel in advance. The freegan looked at me with puppy dog eyes. Of course I ended up paying for a room for him. Total sucker. I joked about what he was going to "exchange" for this. His answer, I kid you not, was: "The great thing about freeganism is that it gives people the opportunity to be generous. You're welcome."
Yes, but our works speak volumes to our faith.It's great and noble to contribute to a cause that speaks to your heart. However, we don't get to Heaven by our works but by faith so that no one can boast. Be mindful of a tarnished halo.Now GoFundMe!! LOL
I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I’m going for my third Camino, I am not retired so I have to work extra hours, save my PTO and wait 1 1/2 years for 1st Camino, 6 months for 2nd and over a year for my 3rd coming up this Summer. I’ve scrimped and saved never thinking about asking others to fund me. If this is the new thing, will you GoFundMe?
Thoughts?
Great moment to name drop a sola fide into the conversationIt's great and noble to contribute to a cause that speaks to your heart. However, we don't get to Heaven by our works but by faith so that no one can boast. Be mindful of a tarnished halo.Now GoFundMe!! LOL
Freeganism...The cheekyness of this guy must have been amazing. Perhaps another payment in kind was this life lesson? “Be as wise as serpents and gentle as doves.”Freegan...... Jesus, that is funny. Freeganism ( ) liberated him from what? Working for a living?
I have to give that freeloader credit for being so open and honest, though.
So I wonder whether most of these Camino GoFundMe pages have a similar function, ie they are public but are addressed to a fairly limited public of friends and family? You say that you have "seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino". How do you become aware of them? Facebook?
I spend the better part of each year in a country that seems to always top the World Giving Index for donations, and generosity is through the entire culture. It rubs off, and I value the chance to be generous much more than I ever used to.Freegan
I'd have probably done the same thing, in your shoes, probably with only so-so marks on the test.
Give all you want just don't post a selfie while doing so.I can relate. I scrimped and saved. Every time I had money to go, I didn't have the freedom. When I did have the freedom, I didn't have the money. I even went to the extreme of getting rid of cable television because it was the one frivolous expense I had. It's been seven years and I still haven't been, though this year looks hopeful. It was hard watching the GoFundMe pilgrims use the forum to make their plea. Or maybe I was just jealous that they were going to be able to walk before me.
What I learned is that I have to stay in my own lane. I was raised the harder you work for something, the more it means. So when I do get to SJPP to begin, I know what the journey will mean to me.
Give if you want to give. For me personally, I would rather give money to APOC for a scholarship for someone rather than someone on GoFundMe. I would rather make a 100 euro donation at a donativio. I certainly would NOT sponsor someone who had already been on prior Caminos.
@FourSeasons we may not get to Heaven by our works but with our works we can show others our faith. And scripture also reminds us that faith without works is dead.
It's the "boasting" about the works ----- this is the scripture I was referring to and the point I was making. The needy don't boast why would the giver?Yes, but our works speak volumes to our faith.
A lot of people who contributed to Efren Gonzales' GoFundMe for his trek on the Via Francigena were disappointed/angry when he only produced his "minute in a day" posts. They were expecting posts like he did while on the Camino Frances, which I agree where amazing, I think Efren led them to believe they would get more.I gave money to Efren Gonzales' GoFundMe for his trek on the Via Francigena last year. Why? Because his expertly edited and produced Camino Frances Youtube videos continue to bring me joy and help thousands of others who are thinking of doing a camino. He is transitioning from his career in the film industry to being professional youtube-video/traveler and I was happy to be a patron to support this dream.
Topics such as this really illustrate our own relationship and views towards money, wealth (lack thereof), "begging" etc---not the actual person doing the GoFundMe. I notice the word "beggars" being tossed about on this thread which...I mean, is a dehumanizing term and rather antiquated. When our society (I'm thinking of my own country - US) continues to make it extremely hard for people to simply make a living (astronomical rents, medical bills, job loss with crappy safety nets) then things like Go Fund Me crop up. It's also ingrained in America's psyche to be very individualistic and...the attitude of "I worked hard for years to save etc, so heck no I don't want to make it easy for someone else when I had it hard" is a familiar attitude I was raised with (and loathe)....it's very me/mine.
Well to be fair, you started a thread asking a loaded question. And to give you the benefit of the doubt you then asked us all to fund you. I'm assuming it was sarcasm and then when members responded to openly to discuss THEIR experience of giving, how they felt, what their reasons were, you took self-depracating humor of one member to bring into your thread Protestant Christian views, to chastise the member. Which is both patronizing and judgemental. When myself and others pointed out that in our Catholic faith, we give, we do works of mercy, perform acts of love, in keeping with what St. James (ironically) teaches in his letter (see James 2:17), you want to defend your stance. So be it. You opened the door when you played Rabbi, you got schooled and now you want to judge us for sharing our answers with you as "boastful"....give me a break lol. You'll get your own thread shut down real quick.It's the "boasting" about the works ----- this is the scripture I was referring to and the point I was making. There is boasting on this thread and so much in the world. Look at me, look at me, see all the good I am doing? Give all you want just don't post a selfie while doing so.
Some people give and some people hold their hand out. I have been on both sides. One definitely feels better then the other. The needy don't boast why should the giver?
I also agree with you on NOT funding someone who has already been on the Camino. Others may disagree .... give where your heart leads but give in secret.
I heard via the camino grapevine that he'd "paid" another pilgrim for accommodation with a spontaneous haiku.
You're funny!! I am not Protestant Christian nor a Catholic, nor a Rabbi as you have accused me of and I did not chastise anyone. But you sure seem hell bent on wanting to put me in my place. Hmmmm, I wonder why? Did I strike a cord? Poke the bear? Forgive me if I did, not my intention.Well to be fair, you started a thread asking a loaded question. And to give you the benefit of the doubt you then asked us all to fund you. I'm assuming it was sarcasm and then when members responded to openly to discuss THEIR experience of giving, how they felt, what their reasons were, you took self-depracating humor of one member to bring into your thread Protestant Christian views, to chastise the member. Which is both patronizing and judgemental. When myself and others pointed out that in our Catholic faith, we give, we do works of mercy, perform acts of love, in keeping with what St. James (ironically) teaches in his letter (see James 2:17), you want to defend your stance. So be it. You opened the door when you played Rabbi, you got schooled and now you want to judge us for sharing our answers with you as "boastful"....give me a break lol. You'll get your own thread shut down real quick.
Just reply "touche" and look to yourself. I had to eat ALOT of crow when I started a controversial thread on my rant about pre-bookers. It was good for me. I learned alot. Be proud of the lengths you have gone to do your Caminos. Don't worry about other people's crowns, lest you lose your own
I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I’m going for my third Camino, I am not retired so I have to work extra hours, save my PTO and wait 1 1/2 years for 1st Camino, 6 months for 2nd and over a year for my 3rd coming up this Summer. I’ve scrimped and saved never thinking about asking others to fund me. If this is the new thing, will you GoFundMe?
Thoughts?
That's a shame in my book, all the way around. Here is the truth I'm going to close my comments with...2 Timothy 2:24 "And the LORD's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." Buen Camino but I still think you should PM the OP for that comment and apologize. In my book, the Southern American one, we call that common decency.I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments and gained some insight, whether I agree with them or not. I was just sharing my opinion and a few words of wisdom to the following comment someone left on their post. "I need to check whether I've already grown a halo." Hence my boasting comment. You seem to want me to feel embarrassed for that, I don't.
You may have fallen victim to the problem of not clearly getting your point across on the internet as I did have a similar reaction to your posts as @lizlane .Did I strike a cord? Poke the bear? Forgive me if I did, not my intention.
Erm ...I wanted to throttle [her] for her posts on my thread about pre-bookers when I ranted. Yet when I actually read her responses she wasn't being mean. Sometimes things don't translate well.
I watched a few of his videos. Some very good drone camera footage. Got a bit bored with his narratives, so I mute it. I would rate the videos as fair, or I suppose this experienced walker Camino critic gives them a 6/10.A lot of people who contributed to Efren Gonzales' GoFundMe for his trek on the Via Francigena were disappointed/angry when he only produced his "minute in a day" posts. They were expecting posts like he did while on the Camino Frances, which I agree where amazing, I think Efren led them to believe they would get more.
He has since asked for more donations and I believe he is leaving today for his multiple Camino adventures. It seems he got the donations he asked for. Did I donate? Well that's my business, now isn't it?I wish him a Buen Camino
I run Peaceable Projects Inc., a small non-profit that raises money for specific improvement projects on the Caminos de Santiago. As many of you know, I ask people for money, directly. And I am very happy to say the people on this Forum, as well as FB and other web pages, are over-the-top generous. They've paid for dozens of beds, mattresses, and pellet stoves for donativo albergues, they've supported a spay/neuter intitiative in a camino village that's overrun with stray cats. They've replaced picnic benches that were hazardous to pilgrim behinds, and financed litter cleanups over hundreds of kilometers of trails.
St. Francis supposedly said "It is in giving that we receive."
The Proverbs say "he who gives to the needy lends to God."
One of the great outcomes of a Camino well-walked is, apparently, an unclenched heart, and open hands. There are so many ways to keep the Camino kindness flowing. Only a few of them have anything to do with this old trail!
@davebuggYours is exactly the reason I wrote what I did in my post. Having not too long ago donated to Peaceable Projects for an albergue's need for new beds, THAT is how I felt I could provide the best use of my dollars on a Camino-related need.
It is the same reasoning for my investing in Life Memberships in APOC and in this Forum. Although a bit of a clumsy Pop Culture reference, I think of Spock on Star Trek when he first said:
"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."
That Peaceable Projects sponsored albergue and APOC can decide how best to use my donation or membership fees to the benefit of the Camino and its pilgrims. With new beds, the albergue Hospitaleros can best determine who might need a donated place to sleep for a night. APOC has scholarship programs and the ability to make determinations of how they are applied.
My family gives a lot of money each year to 501c3 charities. We are pretty strict about the number of charities that we donate to. Jill and I evaluate which 5 charities to invest in during October for the coming year. Even charities that we've donated to in the past. We examine their performance both in projects or goals completed, the progress toward the same, and what percentage of every dollar is used to fulfill their stated mission.
To keep a 'face' on helping others, we will also periodically 'adopt' a family in need, so to speak, to offer temporary help with groceries or gas so that it takes makes for a reduced burden while getting back on their feet. We work through our church pastor to help with this.
This has been our way of reaching out to those in need since the beginning of our marriage 32 years ago, even when we were struggling to make ends meet. It was always important to us give in order to help others.
It probably will sound odd to a lot of folks for me to use a military tactical term as an analogy, but I view my money to charities as a 'force multiplier'. I want every cent of every dollar we give to help the maximum number in need.
I can either invest 50 dollars to house one homeless person for one night in a motel, or I can leverage that same amount to house 10 individuals for a week at a Shelter or Mission. The same with food or clothing or any other number of basic needs.
This is why I do not directly give money to beggars. It is inefficient, and how it will actually be used can be wasted and abused, which means that it doesn't help at all.
I know some may cringe at what they believe is a dehumanizing term, but that is not what I believe the term does. Begging and beggar are not terms of judgement or of morality. It is an action; a description of a method used to obtain money or items.
I use the term advisedly. As such, I refuse to adopt anybody's peculiar PC sensibilities about the use of those words. To do so would mean that I accept a premise which does not exist, or an artificial distinction in terminology that has no meaningful difference.
I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I’m going for my third Camino, I am not retired so I have to work extra hours, save my PTO and wait 1 1/2 years for 1st Camino, 6 months for 2nd and over a year for my 3rd coming up this Summer. I’ve scrimped and saved never thinking about asking others to fund me. If this is the new thing, will you GoFundMe? (Just Joking)
Thoughts?
@davebugg
I agree in general with your choice of selective charitable giving, but nonetheless I have given to other pilgrims along the camino routes when they have shared, or I have perceived, immediate financial needs. A sick pilgrim may need an arm to help her to a nearby albergue and some cash to help her pay her night's lodging and her journey on to Santiago. Another may need a roof over her head from the rain. In these two instances, neither requested my money and one even tried to refuse. These donations will not stop me from giving my regular contributions to my church and to other charities to which I am committed. I admit to having a soft heart for military veterans in particular. A combination of disciplined giving and occasional generosity keeps my heart open to the needy. Those whom I meet along the caminos are my pilgrim family. I express my gratitude to God for calling me to pilgrimage by being generous to His other children.
I
That said, let me complain for a moment. Whenever I pass through any of the larger towns/cities on the Camino Frances wearing my clerical collar I'm swarmed with beggars! The collar is a beggar magnet! I have to keep a pocket full of small bills, sigh....
My brother in law had prostrate cancer for 8 years. His approach to dealing with it was all natural, no radiation or chemo. He made two expensive trips to Germany for alternative treatments over those years. Later on when his only last hope was another expensive trip back to Germany, a good friend of his started a "gofundme" and it raised $30,000. Unfortunately his health made it an unreachable goal and he passed away. The money was then mostly used for an incredible Celebration of Life event and dinner for over 250 of his friends and family. This is not a camino story, but in light of unforseen medical issues, I don't have a problem with supporting this type of need.Without malice but as a point of personal observation, I view that type of GoFundMe as Social Media Begging.
For some things -- like medical care bills -- it can be a Godsend as an avenue for fund raising. However, for a lot of the 'personal fulfillment desires' that are begging for funds, it is no different in my mind, than someone who is standing on a street corner, signs displayed, asking for money. Or of beggars seeking money along the Caminos.
It is legal, as is some allowable street side begging, so it is what it is. Let the taxing authorities decide if this is considered 'income' or not.
Walking the Camino is absolutely a want. Total agreement. Comical to think of it as anything else.Is walking a Camino route a "want" or a "need"? I would place it in the former category and would for that reason probably not contribute to one of the GFM appeals. Just me personally, others are free to assist as they see fit.
Admittedly, I am a bit of a curmudgeon on this topic...my parents were too impoverished to ever send me to any exotic place, summer camp, etc. But I later was able to spend 5 years of my life overseas as a volunteer. Those volunteer years were "wants" not "needs"...but I found those opportunities myself and they have enriched my life.
That said, my family has watched several utube video series of young couples who travel the world in large sailboats or catamarans and we discovered that they are fully supported by similar means; people giving donations...I personally would never help support such a luxury existence as that. Does that mean I should not watch the videos if I do not support their adventure? I don't really know.
Nice, Dave! May the force be with us and may we find ways for it to multiply.'force multiplier'
Not a completely new idea. A 21st century variation on the old concept of pilgrimage by proxy I think. There was a thread a couple of years ago about a man who offered to walk pilgrimages for a substantial fee to pay off the vows and spiritual obligations of his sponsors vicariously ;-)
@davebugg
I agree in general with your choice of selective charitable giving, but nonetheless I have given to other pilgrims along the camino routes when they have shared, or I have perceived, immediate financial needs. A sick pilgrim may need an arm to help her to a nearby albergue and some cash to help her pay her night's lodging and her journey on to Santiago. Another may need a roof over her head from the rain. In these two instances, neither requested my money and one even tried to refuse.
Then people will just boast about how strong their faith is.It's great and noble to contribute to a cause that speaks to your heart. However, we don't get to Heaven by our works but by faith so that no one can boast.Now GoFundMe!! LOL
Sharing one's Faith and sharing one's money can all be done without bragging. How fragile the human ego is.Then people will just boast about how strong their faith is.
Then people will just boast about how strong their faith is.
I suspect when that was written there was a definite risk of the bushel catching fire and making a much bigger light.I am not very good at bible quote and bible-based proverb battlesand I don't know how familiar you all are with this one which is very familiar to me due to the religious-cultural-linguistic environment I grew up in: Do not hide your light under a bushel. Matthew 5:14–15, apparently.
I probably would have payed for his room too, but after I had said "You're free to sleep in the rain."Of course I ended up paying for a room for him.
I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I’m going for my third Camino, I am not retired so I have to work extra hours, save my PTO and wait 1 1/2 years for 1st Camino, 6 months for 2nd and over a year for my 3rd coming up this Summer. I’ve scrimped and saved never thinking about asking others to fund me. If this is the new thing, will you GoFundMe? (Just Joking)
Thoughts?
I have not read her book and don't know how well versed she is in medieval history. The book is marketed along the lines of "Her bestselling memoir Sinning Across Spain was inspired by the tradition of medieval walkers who were paid by others to carry their sins to holy places". This is a concept that appeals to contemporary readers. Medieval people would not understand this concept of carrying sins to holy places.Ailsa Piper (an Australian actor and sometime author). She offered to "walk" people's sins across Spain in 2010, (her campaign based on the Seven Deadly Sins & a few of the Commandments). The result was her very successful book: Sinning Across Spain. She had previously walked the Frances and this time she walked the Via De La Plata (starting in Granada).
I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I’m going for my third Camino, I am not retired so I have to work extra hours, save my PTO and wait 1 1/2 years for 1st Camino, 6 months for 2nd and over a year for my 3rd coming up this Summer. I’ve scrimped and saved never thinking about asking others to fund me. If this is the new thing, will you GoFundMe? (Just Joking)
Thoughts?
There are so many other very necessary requests for money on Hound Me (wow, awesome auto correct!) that I would skip over one asking for money for a camino. I can't imagine anyone would donate to one.
I’m also working extra hours. For me (but then I’m middle aged so I have a different concept of appreciation) the extra work days are part of the preparation internally ... I’m working for something which will make me appreciate the journey of the Camino that much more.I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I’m going for my third Camino, I am not retired so I have to work extra hours, save my PTO and wait 1 1/2 years for 1st Camino, 6 months for 2nd and over a year for my 3rd coming up this Summer. I’ve scrimped and saved never thinking about asking others to fund me. If this is the new thing, will you GoFundMe? (Just Joking)
Thoughts?
@MichelleElynHoganAn acquaintance tried this as he wanted to take his entire Family including 3 children, youngest at 7 years. It did not work. There are folks out there that are open to helping but when I tried finding help that way to help cover my Mom's final expenses, and it was tough being put in a position where that was necessary, it did not really work. Out of the $5,000 request that covered cremation only (plus all ancillary fees), two friends donated a total of $100. I am still paying off the funeral home, 4 years later.
I find this totally unacceptable. Go Fund Me sites are intended to support people who are experiencing unforeseen situations and tragedies in their lives; NOT to finance activities.I’ve seen more and more GoFundMe for the Camino. Is this a new thing? Is it absurd? Is it acceptable?
I’m going for my third Camino, I am not retired so I have to work extra hours, save my PTO and wait 1 1/2 years for 1st Camino, 6 months for 2nd and over a year for my 3rd coming up this Summer. I’ve scrimped and saved never thinking about asking others to fund me. If this is the new thing, will you GoFundMe? (Just Joking)
Thoughts?
I do not think the site states any specific intent or purpose of its existence, does it? It is just a virtual internet bucket of sorts for people to throw money into for total strangers whatever their need/want.I find this totally unacceptable. Go Fund Me sites are intended to support people who are experiencing unforeseen situations and tragedies in their lives; NOT to finance activities.
wearing my clerical collar
Quite right. I think many if not most of us have helped out a fellow Pilgrim in need.
That's part of the 'community' of the Camino I think.
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