Volunteers wanted - Santiago de Compostela

Pilgrims’ Office - Santiago de Compostela

Volunteers wanted

There are a number of volunteering opportunities available through the Pilgrims’ Office in Santiago during the period May – October 2013. Volunteers are expected to have previously made the pilgrimage to Santiago.

Consigna/Left Luggage Service

Volunteers are required to operate a left luggage store for pilgrims in the Pilgrims’ Office.  The left luggage service will be available from 9am – 8.30pm. Volunteers will normally work in 2 shifts with one working from  9am – 3pm and another from 3pm – 9pm.

This role is suitable for people who may not yet be proficient in Spanish but who wish to improve their language skills.

Hospitaleros – Albergue Fin del Camino

Volunteer hospitaleros are sought for the new Albergue Fin del Camino which is located on the Camino Francés as it enters the city through the barrio Fontiñas. The albergue is operated by the Pilgrimage to Santiago Foundation which is an independent charitable organisation established to develop services for pilgrims and support the work of the Pilgrims’ Office. The Foundation and the Albergue Fin del Camino are not for profit charitable organisations committed to using their resources exclusively for the benefit of pilgrims.

The Albergue Fin del Camino has 110 beds. It is currently the newest and cheapest albergue in Santiago charging 8€ per per night. The albergue accepts advance bookings and groups. Pilgrims are welcome to stay as many nights as they wish.

Hospitaleros are required to staff reception, welcome pilgrims and supervise the albergue. Daily cleaning is carried out by a professional company and no cooking is required.  A team of 3 volunteers will work on a rota providing a 24 hour presence in the albergue.

Applications are sought from experienced/trained hospitaleros and those for whom this would be a first experience. Induction will be provided. Support from the Pilgrims’ Office will be available on-call at all times.

The ablilty to converse in basic Spanish, including on the telephone, is essential.

                                   …………………………………………………………………………………………

Accommodation will be provided for volunteers free of charge in apartments in the city of Santiago. Volunteers must meet all other travel and subsistence expenses.

For further information please e mail Daniel Vargas, Volunteer Co-ordinator on volunteersantiago@gmail.com - Dani will acknowledge your request for further information.  Application Packs will be sent out from 7 January 2013.