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

For This Israeli Singer, Singing Before PM Modi Could Mean Rekindling Bollywood Dreams

For This Israeli Singer, Singing Before PM Modi Could Mean Rekindling Bollywood Dreams
Liora Itzhak, chosen to sing the national anthems of Israel and India to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wishes to re-live her Bollywood dream yet again.

For This Israeli Singer, Singing Before PM Modi Could Mean Rekindling Bollywood Dreams

Welcome To The Dollhouse: Japanese Men Are Finding 'TRUE LOVE' With Sex Dolls

Welcome To The Dollhouse: Japanese Men Are Finding 'TRUE LOVE' With Sex Dolls
The Life-Size Dummies Shares Japanese Men’s Beds, Often Under The Same Roof As Their Families In Tokyo.

Welcome To The Dollhouse: Japanese Men Are Finding 'TRUE LOVE' With Sex Dolls

Bride Leaves Groom At The Mandap Because Of His Drunken Nagin Dance

Bride Leaves Groom At The Mandap Because Of His Drunken Nagin Dance
The 'nagin (snake) dance' is quite popular at Indian weddings, but attempting it on the dance floor proved costly for a groom

Bride Leaves Groom At The Mandap Because Of His Drunken Nagin Dance

In Gujarat, Woman Delivers Baby In Ambulance Surrounded By 12 Lions

In Gujarat, Woman Delivers Baby In Ambulance Surrounded By 12 Lions
While the EMT contacted a physician over phone to take directions, the pride of lions, sensing human presence, emerged from the nearby bushes and surrounded the ambulance.

In Gujarat, Woman Delivers Baby In Ambulance Surrounded By 12 Lions

Telangana Ayurveda Doctor Arrested For Allegedly Selling Babies

Telangana Ayurveda Doctor Arrested For Allegedly Selling Babies
The doctor sold the newborns, all girls, belonging to tribals after delivery at his hospital to childless couples for amounts ranging between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh.

Telangana Ayurveda Doctor Arrested For Allegedly Selling Babies

Surprise! Sailor Comes Home To Find Wife 8 Months Pregnant

Surprise! Sailor Comes Home To Find Wife 8 Months Pregnant
SAN DIEGO — A Navy wife greeted her husband returning from six months at sea by revealing she was nearly eight months pregnant with his fourth child.

Surprise! Sailor Comes Home To Find Wife 8 Months Pregnant