Wednesday, April 1, 2026
ADVT 
Interesting

Tom Hanks used as physical distance marker

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Jul, 2020 10:09 PM
  • Tom Hanks used as physical distance marker

It could be "A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood" if you come across a life-sized decal of Tom Hanks in downtown Toronto.

Images of the Oscar-winning actor have been laid on the ground outside of two government-run liquor stores in the city's downtown, using his six-foot frame to help customers maintain their physical distance in line.

The decals show a bespectacled Hanks in a suit above the caption "'Hanks for keeping your distance."

The non-profit initiative was developed by Public Inc., a Toronto-based marketing agency, with the aim of injecting some fun into physical distancing.

"We were a bit concerned that people were going to let down their guard, that they weren't going to be as vigilant about mask-wearing and physically distancing," said Phillip Haid, the co-founder and CEO of Public Inc., on Friday. "That's what led us to ask, 'What would it take to remind people?'"

Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were diagnosed with COVID-19 in March, and both have since recovered from the illness.

"The idea was born with Tom Hanks because he was the first celebrity to get COVID-19 with his wife — and he happens to be six-feet tall," said Haid.

Haid also pointed out that Hanks has been outspoken in telling people to wear masks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus since recovering from the disease.

Although the decals are only outside two LCBO locations so far, the campaign will expand to more locations of the provincial government's liquor store chain and to some coffee shops, Haid said. He said the company came up with the project for "the public good."

Haid added that it won't just be in Toronto but at some point may be expanded to New York City, where his company has another office.

It's not clear whether Hanks himself is aware of the campaign.

Public Inc., purchased the rights to the photo, Haid said, and he hopes it will catch the actor's attention.

A message left with Hanks's publicist by The Canadian Press on Friday was not immediately returned.

MORE Interesting ARTICLES

Air India Cabin Crew Spooked By 'Ghosts' In Chicago Hotel Room

Air India Cabin Crew Spooked By 'Ghosts' In Chicago Hotel Room
Air India crew claimed to have experienced nerve-wracking paranormal activities in their hotel and bed room.

Air India Cabin Crew Spooked By 'Ghosts' In Chicago Hotel Room

Mom Poses With Adorable Newborn Baby For Photoshoot. And Then This Happened...

Mom Poses With Adorable Newborn Baby For Photoshoot. And Then This Happened...
From the Newborn Blooper Reel with Ana Brandt: When Babies Poop

Mom Poses With Adorable Newborn Baby For Photoshoot. And Then This Happened...

'Wish You Were Our PM,' Pakistani Woman Praises Sushma Swaraj After Visa Help

Pakistan would have changed had Sushma Swaraj been Prime Minister, a grateful Pakistani woman said after India’s External Affairs Minister directed the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to issue a visa for medical treatment.

'Wish You Were Our PM,' Pakistani Woman Praises Sushma Swaraj After Visa Help

The Boy Who Thought His Dad Forgot His B'day Is Back With Surprise

The Boy Who Thought His Dad Forgot His B'day Is Back With Surprise
The trending boy, who thought his father had forgotten his birthday, is back in the headlines, but this time, with a surprise for his dad.

The Boy Who Thought His Dad Forgot His B'day Is Back With Surprise

Sardarji Aapka France Ka Visa Ho Gaya Hai: Sushma Swaraj Helps Parents Of Ailing Indian Abroad Get V

Sardarji Aapka France Ka Visa Ho Gaya Hai: Sushma Swaraj Helps Parents Of Ailing Indian Abroad Get V
Reaching out to yet another distressed national abroad, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has come to the aid of an Indian hospitalised in France with blood infection, and helped his parents get visas to visit him.

Sardarji Aapka France Ka Visa Ho Gaya Hai: Sushma Swaraj Helps Parents Of Ailing Indian Abroad Get V

US Man Arrested For Smuggling King Cobras In Potato Chip Cans!

US Man Arrested For Smuggling King Cobras In Potato Chip Cans!
In a shocking incident, a 34-year-old man from the United States was arrested for smuggling deadly king cobras inside cans of potato chips.

US Man Arrested For Smuggling King Cobras In Potato Chip Cans!