Joe DeSantis: Fundraising along The Camino De Santiago

For Joe DeSantis, the 572-mile Camino De Santiago pilgrimage was more than just a challenge—it was an opportunity to give back to an important cause: “I’ve lived in Boston for almost 20 years, and GBFB’s mission really supports my belief that no one should go hungry.”

Before his 40-day journey from St Jean Pied de Port, France to Finisterre, Spain, Joe pledged $500 a day towards filling GBFB’s new refrigeration facilities made possible by Project COLD. These funds will help GBFB provide more fresh food to food-insecure individuals across Eastern Massachusetts.

By sharing his story on social media (@jdsontheway on Instagram), contacting friends and family and working with GBFB, Joe hoped to multiply his original $20,000 goal. After a month of fundraising and one week on the trail, Joe reached an astounding $100,000. “It felt like there was a true mission in this effort. I was excited to share with people what I was doing, and also link it to the food bank,” he shared, “I was blown away by people’s generosity.”

Joe’s journey highlights the profound power that individual commitment can have on our mission to end hunger here, “It was important that it was not just for me, but for others.”

WATCH: Joe’s journey on the Camino de Santiago on WCVB Channel 5

Learn more about WCVB Day of Giving. 

Check out other stories that aired during our 6th annual Day of Giving here.