Overall, I consider myself pretty lucky. I've been given the opportunity to grow up and live in relative peace and health, surrounded by supportive family and friends. I also happen to work for a company, Cisco Systems, regularly rated as a top place to work, that provides multiple opportunities to give back. We are granted Time2Give days for us to use for volunteer work of our choosing, and employee donations are matched one for one to a broad variety of worthy organizations around the world. The latest example of how my Cisco colleagues step up for those in need is our June 2022 Camino de Santiago adventure. On June 10th over 400 Cisco employees and associates will descend on Santiago de Compostela after many long days of walking.
You Camino aficionados may already be familiar with the most popular route, also known as the Camino Francés, starting in the Basque town of Donibane Garazi (St-Jean-Pied-de-Port) and continuing on 500 miles over the Spanish meseta to Santiago de Compostela. I will actually be doing the Camino Portugués. Those doing at least 100 km on foot get a bonus prize at the end, in the form of an official Compostela, or certification of having completed the pilgrimage. In my case, I will be starting in the Portuguese border town of Caminha, walking over 160 km (100 miles) over eight days. My route will be as follows:
Simply go to https://gofund.me/0f08bb5b
Those of you who know me, know that for some years I have been working with Tijuana Mission Outreach Foundation, building houses and performing other activities. They can always use your donations at http://shop.tijuanamission.org/
Another great program that I've gotten involved with through Cisco is MuralNet, a non-profit that works with Native nations to design, build and control their Internet access, in areas where there are no existing solutions or they are priced out of reach. What many of us take for granted is sorely lacking for others and impacts their access to educational programs, telehealth, employment opportunities and other basic needs.