Local non-profit eduRelief makes a big impact in Mongolia

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Story Published: May 2, 2007 at 5:33 PM PDT

By Sophie Soong

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Eugene - What's 20 dollars worth to you? For a child in Mongolia, that's enough to fund an entire year of education.

And if you're on the University of Oregon campus this week, you'll hear that message loud and clear: "Would you guys like some information on how to change the world?"

It's a lofty claim, but a group of students believe 20 dollars is all it takes to make a difference. They're members of eduRelief, a non-profit organization started by Jon Renich of Eugene.

"This all just started from one volunteer going into Mongolia and seeing this need that these poor children weren't getting to go to school. Came back and just told a few people the story of, 'Gosh, let's do something," Marketing Manager for eduRelief Rob Sanders said.

That grassroots outreach has grown into an international project. In its first year, eduRelief sponsored 525 children with support nationwide.

"It's growing faster than almost we can keep up with," Sanders said.

And they're doing it 20 dollars at a time. It's this simple concept that's drawing people in.

"It's only 20 dollars and an entire year of education. That's a good deal," UO student Joel Reynolds said.

Co-founder Margaret Ormsbee says, this is only the beginning. They're also making plans to take a trip to Mongolia this fall. That's when they'll be on the front lines helping the kids directly.

"It's been amazing and again, just getting people really passionate about realizing they can make a difference and get involved and really doing something," she said.

So maybe their claim isn't that lofty after all.

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