Five hikers started Camino for Good to both share their experiences along the Camino de Santiago and to raise money for Camino hostels struggling due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Kelly is one of those pilgrims and founders of Camino for Good – a virtual Camino platform that donates money to albergues (pilgrim hostels) along the Camino de Santiago.
COVID-19 has caused an almost total stop in travellers walking the Camino, which has had a massive impact on the livelihoods of those along the ways. Without their normal income from walkers, many Camino albergues have been forced to shut their doors.
To help support these unique small businesses along the trails that offer shelter to pilgrims, 75% of Camino for Good’s net income is donated to them. This includes the wonderful Susi from Casa Susi, who we talked to a few weeks ago!
It is also a brilliant experience for the virtual pilgrims. With maps to track your progress, photos and stories from along the way, and an online community of fellow walkers this experience aims to get people moving and keep the Camino spirit alive until we can travel again.
Who is Kelly?
We had a lovely chat with Kelly about the Camino de Santiago, what has happened there during COVID-19, and how the Camino for Good came about.
Kelly’s first Camino was in 2018 after seeing a positive change in her friend who had done the Camino Frances and Camino del Norte. As a marathon runner, Kelly still did some extra training to make sure that she was “hiking fit” as well as “running fit”.
Kelly walked the Camino de Santiago to reconnect with herself, get some clarity on what she wanted in her life going forwards, and process her divorce.
How did the Camino for Good start?
After participating in a virtual race with one of her friends and fellow Camino for Good founders, the idea for a virtual Camino with a purpose was born.
The current product focuses on the Camino Frances, but the team are building more content for the different routes across Spain and Portugal.
At the beginning of March 2021 they are running another challenge – The March to Santiago, which we would love to see more people joining.
It is brilliant to find such a great cause to support, while also getting us all moving during lockdown.
Learn more about Camino for Good
You can learn all about Camino for Good and sign up to join their virtual Camino on their website: https://caminoforgood.com/
Albergues that want to join the cause can sign up to get support on the website too.
You can follow their journey and learn more on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
We would love to see photos and videos from your virtual Caminos! Please do tag us on social media and let us know how you are doing.
If you are feeling inspired you can also start planning your real-life Camino for later this year or even next year! Our Camino Planners are ready to answer all your questions and help you plan the perfect Camino for you. Get in touch to find out more.
