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ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — With everyone trying to stay as far away from others as possible, it seems an unexpected time to create a club, but this one isn’t typical.

The Social Distance Club is a website created by St. John’s-based software developer Gregory Pike. It’s designed to help people find restaurants in the city that are still offering takeout and delivery options, but the goal is to expand the site beyond that specific use.

Greg Pike. (Photo by Shyama). - Contributed

Pike said he and his friends who helped to launch the website are aiming to include other services that are still operating in St. John’s, and would like to eventually expand it outside the city limits.

“We also have a blog where we’re trying to provide people with the sorts of activities that they can do to stay social, but while keeping their distance,” said Pike.

Pike’s friend, Bradley Richards, is one of the people helping Pike gather information for the website.

Richards said he hopes the website will encourage people to stay connected to the community while social distancing.

“This can truly be a club that we’re all a part of, not just us who are behind the scenes, but us as a larger community because we are all impacted by what’s going on. … We’re all part of this kind of club, and so here’s a great way for us to encourage people to maintain connection.”

Others involved in gathering information and writing content for the website include Nikki Cole, Mark Denine, Megan Murphy and Theresa Murphy.

Pike said he spent roughly three sleepless nights putting the website together, and it’s an ongoing labour of love to support the community.

“I have some friends who run local businesses, and after ‘Snowmageddon’ I was shocked and impressed that they were able to make it through what was a very tough time. And now I see what’s happening here with the coronavirus, and all the restrictions being placed on businesses, and I worry about my friends.”

The website lists dozens of food providers in the city, ranging from upscale restaurants, cafés and fast food to grocers and specialty items. It includes St. John’s Farmers’ Market vendors, and information with specific details about how to order food and support the businesses.

The restaurants are viewable on a map, as a list and by food type.

With the COVID-19 situation changing rapidly day by day, Pike hopes the website can become a community effort.

“It’s going to be hard to keep up on the information on our own, so I’m hoping that the community gets involved, and helps us keep everything up to date so that we can continue to support those local businesses.”

To visit the website, click socialdistanceclub.ca, or interact on Twitter by following account @distanceclubnl.

Twitter: @juanitamercer_

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