Ontario Giant Runt Club - Canada
The Ontario Giant Runt Club in Toronto’s West End Bloordale Village was founded in London, Ontario, but moved to Toronto in 1993. It is now under the direction of Manny De Medeiros a local pigeon lover who has been raising birds in the neighbourhood with his son for decades.
Although some pigeons can be seen in the windows of the OGRC, on typical days the club serves mostly as a meeting place where the Portuguese-speaking club members, many of whom are age old friends sit and drink while sharing stories, watching television or playing games.
The photographs in this series were taken over a period of several months in early to mid 2013.
An Ontario Giant Runt Club member holds the front door as he smokes a cigarette.
A player pauses during one of many card games played at the club.
Show pigeons in a cage at the Ontario Giant Runt Club.
A heated card game involving regulars at the club.
Trophies from competitions gone by collect dust.
An animated member speaks during a regular visit to the club.
A veteran of the club is reflected in the window as he tends to plants.
A or to six-year-old dried slab of preserved meat hangs near the front window.
An intoxicated regular visitor to the the club speaks with a knife in his hand.
Club manager John points towards other club members just outside.
Two club members embrace during Easter celebrations.
A commemorative plaque on the wall of the club hangs from the 90's.
A club member, right, pours wine for the manager John, left.
Seedlings in foam cups at the front window of the club.
Club manager John looks down at an almost empty cash register.