Pink Giro Signs Donated To Oxfam

Pink Giro d'Italia signs are to be sold in Oxfam shops across Northern Ireland, following the close of the Irish leg of the race last weekend.

The Giro d'Italia is an annual cycling race held in Italy that also incorporates neighbouring countries into the route. This year, the first leg began in Belfast and took in the Antrim coast as well as parts of Armagh, before finishing in Dublin.

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said the demand for the signs was significant, but that a large number had been removed before they could be handed over to Oxfam, the Giro's official charity.

Belfast City Council pledged its support by donating the pink signage it used to brand the city during the past few weeks.

Minister Kennedy said: "People in Northern Ireland embraced the Giro d'Italia with amazing enthusiasm. It was truly impressive to see at first hand the large crowds of people who stood out in the rain to catch a glimpse of the elite cyclists racing past.

“The event was a huge success and I want to put on record my thanks to my officials who played such a major role in helping to organise the Giro and putting in place one of the largest traffic management plans Northern Ireland has ever seen."

Oxfam Ireland spokesperson Kathy Morrow said: "We were delighted to be the official charity partner for the Giro d’Italia and would like to thank the DRD for generously donating the official road signs for sale in our shops.

"By visiting your local Oxfam shop and buying one of the signs, you’ll not only be picking up a unique memento of cycling history but also helping to break the cycle of poverty by supporting Oxfam’s work worldwide.

"The £10 from each sign we sell could help provide an energy saving stove for a South Sudanese refugee family in Northern Uganda, after they were forced to flee their homes in the recent conflict."

To donate to Oxfam Ireland, the official charity for the Giro d’Italia, visit the Just Giving Giro page.

(IT/MH)