Chernobyl Children International
Chernobyl Children International (CCI) is a non-profit, international development, medical, and humanitarian organisation that works with children, families and communities that continue to be affected by the economic outcome of the 1986 Chernobyl accident. The organisation's founder and chief executive is Adi Roche. Before 2010, it was known as Chernobyl Children's Project International (CCPI). History. Chernobyl Children's Project International was founded in Ireland in 1991 by Adi Roche in response to an appeal from Belarusian doctors for aid. Roche, previously a volunteer in a nuclear disarmament group, received a fax in 1991 which  read "SOS appeal. For god's sake, please help us get the children out," which inspired her to take action. That year, Roche set up a small workspace in a spare bedroom of her home and began organising 'rest and recuperation' holidays for a few Chernobyl children. Recruiting Irish families who would welcome and care for them, CCPI began in Ireland in 1991, and expanded into the United States in 2001. It changed its name to Chernobyl Children International in 2010. Over its lifetime, the organisation has grown to become the single largest contributor to Belarus and the fallout from  Chernobyl. It works closely with the Belarusian government, the United Nations and thousands of volunteers in Ireland, Belarus and worldwide to deliver a broad range of supports to the children and the wider community. It also acts as an advocate for the rights of those affected by the Chernobyl explosion, and engages in research and outreach activities to encourage the rest of the world to remember the victims and understand the long-term impact on their lives. To date, Chernobyl Children's contributions exceed €105 million in direct and indirect aid. Its flagship 'Rest and Recuperation Programme' has brought  over 25,500 children to Ireland, returning an average of two years to each child's lifespan. Following advocacy by Voluntary CEO at the United Nations General Assembly on the 30th Anniversary of the disaster, the UN designated the 26 April to be known as 'International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day'. Programmes. Chernobyl Children International works with families and communities in Chernobyl affected regions to help them to overcome the domino effect of poverty, poor health, and social and psychosocial impact that was the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Active programmes of Chernobyl Children International include: Volunteers. As a charitable, non -profit organisation, Chernobyl Children International relies heavily on the contribution of thousands of volunteers. CCI's volunteers are organised into three programmes: The organisation also helps and maintains Volunteer Outreach Groups that are located throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Outreach groups organise their own awareness and fundraising events in aid of the CCI, and have helped raise millions of Euro for the victims of Chernobyl. Board of Directors. Chernobyl Children International is overseen by an eight-person board of directors. Its membership includes Roche, Ali Hewson, Noel Kelly, and Liz O'Donnell. Peter Lacy is the Chairperson of the Board  of Directors. Hewson, the wife of U2's lead singer Bono, is one of the organisation's more visible members and patrons and has made a number of trips with the group to the Chernobyl-affected areas. All proceeds from U2's 1998 single, "Sweetest Thing", were donated to the organisation. Recognition. Chernobyl Children's Project International was the focus of the 2003 film "Chernobyl Heart", which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject). The organization's volunteer activities were featured in the 26 April 2006 edition of "People" magazine. The organization was awarded Special Congressional Recognition in  2006, for "outstanding humanitarian work".