Why does the Camino work so well as a charity fundraising event? Why do charities turn to the Camino every year to raise much-needed funds for vital support services?
Well, from our experience of planning and guiding many fundraising walks along the Camino, we would put it down to several factors: The Camino’s general tendency to inspire and reinvigorate is one. The way it forges friendship and solidarity between participants is another. Then there is the realisation that dawns on everyone around the second or third day of every trip: The Camino is no doddle; it’s a real challenge, both mentally and physically, and by undertaking that challenge, one feels that they have not only achieved something special, but also repaid the generosity of those who have contributed to their fundraising campaign.
We at CaminoByTheWay are really proud of our ongoing work with some of Ireland’s top charities. In 2020, we’ll be planning and guiding fundraising tours for both established partners and organisations embarking on their first Camino challenge. Below is a roundup of all the charities we are collaborating with in 2020. Take a look and follow the links if you’d like to get involved.
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The Irish Wheelchair Association: “Coastal Camino Way”
2020 marks our first year working with this wonderful charity committed to supporting the lives of people living with physical disabilities. Our route will follow the beautiful Galician coastline for a couple of stages before converging with the wooded inland route of the Original Portuguese Camino.
ROUTE: Portuguese Coastal Camino (Vigo to Santiago de Compostela)
DATES: May 9 – 16, 2020
CONTACT: Holly Johnson at 087 2159482 or holly.johnson@iwa.ie
Click here to learn more about this trip.
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Make A Wish Ireland: “Camino Walk For Wishes”
Another first, this time in partnership with Make A Wish Ireland, a charity dedicated to supporting the lives of kids with life-threatening illnesses. The challenge laid down here is to complete the classic final stretch of the French Camino, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.
ROUTE: French Camino – Final Stretch (Sarria to Santiago de Compostela)
DATES: May 29 – June 5, 2020
CONTACT: Sheila Kelly at 083 062 3536 or sheila@makeawish.ie
Click here to learn more about this trip.
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Irish Guide Dogs: “Camino 2020: Estella to Burgos”
This will be our fifth year collaborating with our friends at the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and, if previous years are anything to go by, it should be full of adventure. In 2020, the charity will take up where they left off in 2019, in the town of Estella, then follow the Camino through the famous wine-producing region of La Rioja and onwards to Burgos.
ROUTE: French Way – Second Stretch (Estella to Burgos)
DATES: August 15 – 22, 2020
CONTACT: Anne Burns at 021 45878200 or info@guidedogs.ie
Click here to learn more about this trip.
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The Irish Hospice Foundation: “Camino Challenge 2020”
This is CaminoByTheWay’s third Camino fundraiser with the Irish Hospice Foundation and we are so proud to be involved in the fundraising efforts of this great charitable organisation. In 2020, we’ll undertake the final section of the Original Portuguese Camino, crossing the border into Spain on our first day and continuing through the Galician countryside to Santiago.
ROUTE: Original Portuguese Camino (Valenca do Minho to Santiago de Compostela)
DATES: September 20 – 26, 2020
CONTACT: Caoimhe Feehily on 01 6793188 or caoimhe.feehily@hospicefoundation.ie
Click here to learn more about this trip.
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Down Syndrome Cork: “Camino for DS Cork”
The last charity to join us on the Camino trail in 2020 will be Down Syndrome Cork, another one of our new partners. This provider of crucial support services in the southern regions are also undertaking the Original Portuguese Camino. We are looking forward to getting to know everyone as we walk through woods, meadows and some impressive historic towns.
ROUTE: Original Portuguese Camino (Valenca do Minho to Santiago de Compostela)
DATES: September 26 – October 3, 2020
CONTACT: Contact Anita Bane at 087 8235402 or Nuala Heavin at 087 2873431
Click here to learn more about this trip.
On our dedicated Charities page, you’ll find more details on each of the fundraising trips we are planning and guiding in 2020.
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