Camino Spirit Fund

We know that many of our members are looking for ways to ‘give back’ to the Camino. A donation to our Camino Spirit Fund enables us to support the Camino by meeting short-term needs or funding larger projects that relate to services along the Camino de Santiago routes.

What are the funds used for?
Our Camino Spirit Fund directs support to businesses and projects that serve pilgrims along the Camino, such as albergues and other pilgrim infrastructure. Funds may be used to help with operating costs like replacing bedding and furniture, to pay for renovations, or to meet unexpected costs such as purchasing a new boiler.

How are the recipients selected?
Other than special projects, our donation committee relies on suggestions by our Canadian Company of Pilgrims (CCoP) members and chapters, our contacts in Spain, the Camino Forums, Egeria House, and communications with hosts on the Camino to identify eligible recipients and projects. Our constant communication with these contacts allows us to respond to any need very quickly. The committee works together to review and quickly approve the donation requests and then forwards these funds immediately.
The recipients of our donations are so very grateful and have expressed their thanks in photos and emails. View our Thanks and Photos page if you’d like to see how they love Canadians.

What albergues has CCoP supported?
CCoP has already allocated funds to a number of albergues, thanks to generous donations from our members. We encourage you to consult our list of these albergues for your future pilgrimages, so you can visit them and identify yourself as a member of CCoP. This will allow us to continue building and strengthening the relationships our campaign has begun. Our map indicates where these recipients are located.

How much should I donate?
A typical day on the Camino generally costs about 35€ or $50 Canadian. Donate “A Day on the Camino” or a few days, or as much as you wish! As a volunteer organization our costs are minimal and we are able to donate every dollar received to support Camino businesses.

How can I donate?
Donating is easy and simple. Just sign in as a member, and upon payment by credit card, you will receive a “Thank You” confirmation email. As a Canadian non-soliciting Not-for-Profit Corporation, the CCoP can accept donations only from members. It’s easy to sign up to become a member.

Will I get any recognition of my donation?
CCoP is not a registered charity; therefore we cannot issue a charitable tax receipt. But you will be counted amongst over 550 pilgrims who have already donated. For privacy reasons we do not list donor names.

We all desire to keep the Camino alive so that we can enjoy the pilgrim experience of a wonderful day’s walk, a delicious café con leche at a bar, a vino tinto with a pilgrim meal, and an overnight stay at our favourite albergue. Your donation is your gift back to the Camino and your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

Map
Altogether so far, funds in excess of $60,000 have been used to support the Camino as identified by the green stars in the accompanying map.