[Gocamino] More on the 2004 statistics

[Blaroli at aol.com]

Hello you all,
What Kat Gower said in an earlier message is quite true.  I´ve become aware, first-hand, of the scant means available to the´Pilgrims´office, while the demands on their services increase.
We all know that they do not charge for anything (Compostelas, certificates, etc.), yet they have at any one time six or eight people working there: receiving pilgrims, assisting them, maintaining data, etc.
When the old-fashioned computer system that they have gave up the ghost, the entire data compilation had to be done by hand. Because of contributions, such as the ones collected in the USA by American Pilgrims on the Camino, they were able to get some new equipment; unfortunately, they had to rely on volunteer help to set it up which caused serious mishaps.
The office was compelled to engage professional system installers and new equipment, at a cost of about ten or eleven thousand Dlls., (on credit), to get some of the equipment and the system running. This is how the statistics I sent you were made possible.
As Kathy said, it would be nice if we could contribute towards the cost.  Often I get mail from NorthAmerican pìlgrims telling me how much the owe the Camino, and how they wish they could give it something back.  
Well, here is a wonderful opportunity.
Further, since the contributions can be made through the American Pilgrims on the Camino (Kathy Gower, et al), which  is an IRS recognized non-profit entity, they are fully tax-deductible.
Hope this information helps.
Best regards,
Rosina