A local advocacy group is shifting gears during the coronavirus pandemic by urging residents to support local businesses in hard times.

The Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club has been advocating for clean and safe waterways for 20 years. When members realized how deeply local shops were being impacted by the governor's order to shut down during the pandemic they decided to jump into action.

"We called each and every one of them before putting them on our website to make sure that they're open and they're overwhelmed with the gratitude. They really appreciate it but more importantly they need customers so come on down," says Owen Foote, of the Gowanus Dredgers Club.

The group rotates members every day to take the canoe down the canal and encourage people to support restaurants 

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