Update: We spoke to Conchi and Fran last evening. They appreciate everyone’s generosity. What they really want, more than money, is to have everyone come to the restaurant when you are visiting the area, or walking the Camino. Stop in, order their wonderful dishes, and say hi! You won’t be disappointed by the food when you do!
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After my post about our friends, Conchi and Fran, and their restaurant on the Camino, so many of you sent me messages of support for them. Asking how you could help. It made me smile. What a wonderful community we have on this blog.
As a reminder, Casa Alongos is a small, family run restaurant in Melide, Galicia right on the Camino Frances. Conchi and Fran were the first people to welcome us to this community with open arms. They have helped us through plumbing disasters, recommending invaluable resources to help us get through our first months in a house with spotty electrical and sometimes no water. And fed us, even after the kitchen was closed. Salt of the earth, kinder, more giving people you will never meet. And they just need a break. Something to go their way after the past two years.
After all the questions about offering help, I didn’t want to do anything until I checked with Conchi and got her OK. She gave me the green light a few days ago, but no one needs me in the middle of this. The funds should go directly to them. So I have set up a GoFundMe for them and include the link here. I’ve donated to fundraisers via GoFundMe but I’ve never set one of these up before, so I hope I did it right.
As a Pilgrim community, I know we are changed by the experience of walking to Santiago. No matter which route, or where we start. And it’s often people we meet along the way who help soften our edges and transform us. Conchi and Fran have been part of the Camino story for so many. 🙏Thank you to everyone here who reached out and offered to help such good people.
Buen Camino
Viva Espana 
Such a wonderful thing to do for them Kelli! I loved seeing their beautiful faces in the link. One can see the goodness and light in both of their hearts❤️
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It really was ppl on this blog who suggested it. I can not take credit. They are such wonderful ppl – Conchi and Fran
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Kelli: I just looked at the Gofundme page and it does say that you organized this fundraiser but when you go to the Donate page it says at the top it will benefit Kelli Field. Is it supposed to say Conchita and Frans name there to make sure the funds go directly to them? Just checking.😊
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Oh No! I will go right in and fix it. I knew I would screw this up
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This is very confusing. It seemed straightforward when I went through the steps to set it up. After reading all the help documents for GoFundMe in Spain, it looks like it defaults to me in the header until they set up their beneficiary account via email from GoFundMe, so they can withdraw funds to the account of their choice. Then it will change from ‘Fundraiser ME for the benefit of THEM.’ I didn’t donate €500 to myself 🤪
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Ok that makes sense. Thanks for the clarification.
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This GoFundMe thing is stressful 😳 when you have no idea what you are doing.
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I was able to post their story on the Facebook page for the Camino de Santiago All Routes. The Amin approved so its live! Let’s hope that will kick the donations into high gear.😊
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