The Cork-based Chernobyl Children's Project (CCP) is expecting a fundraising bonanza after a film about the charity won an Oscar for best short documentary in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
The film was shot during a two-year period in the affected region. It documents the terrible effects of radiation, and the high levels of cancer, birth defects and heart conditions suffered by the region's children.
The documentary is to be aired on the HBO television station in the United States, and the group founder, Adi Roche, is in talks with movie moguls in Hollywood.
Speaking from Los Angeles last night, Ms Roche hailed the victory as an opportunity to gain valuable support from US donors. "This is an opportunity that needs to be seized so the cause can be heard on a bigger stage. We have had amazing support in Ireland, but the potential for fundraising in the United States is vast.
"This is all about getting people motivated, and seeing this documentary could push people to help. This is our one chance and we need to capitalise on this, so that we can give the people of Chernobyl a voice of hope.
"One of the first phone calls we got was from the Belarussian embassy in London to thank us - they can't do it on their own and they need charities to help."
Ms Roche (49), a native of Clonmel and former presidential candidate, initiated the Chernobyl Children's Project in 1990. She was in the Kodak Theatre on Sunday night to witness independent filmmaker Maryann De Leo collect the gold statuette.
Ms Roche continued: "It's all very exciting and very overwhelming. I am very, very proud - it is the first time that a documentary on a nuclear issue has been given an award through the Academy. It was quite daunting - we were surrounded by people like Nicolas Cage, Sting, Susan Sarandon, Elvis Costello, Jude Law - there was a sense of unreality about it."
Ms Roche was accompanied to many functions by CCP national co-ordinator, Norrie McGregor, and two representatives of the organisation's US sister charity.
The events included the Vanity Fair party and a celebration hosted by Elton John. "I put my head down briefly for a sleep shortly after 4 a.m. but not for long - we really have to be up and about. We are set to meet Amanda Demme, who is a very important player in the film industry here. There is no rest - we have to strike while the iron is hot. I have no illusions. For the film industry people it all depends on how this will be turned into hard cash."
Ms Roche added that there was a possibility the film may be screened in cinemas across Ireland shortly.