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

And World's Best Food Festivals Are

And World's Best Food Festivals Are
According To CNN, These Are Some Of The World's Best Festivals For Anyone Hungry To Fill Their Empty Tummies

And World's Best Food Festivals Are

Heading To Switzerland? Keep These In Your Check-List

Heading To Switzerland? Keep These In Your Check-List
Here are some off-beat activities you need to do to make your trip a memorable one!

Heading To Switzerland? Keep These In Your Check-List

Constipated For 22 Years, Chinese Man Has 13kg Of Poop Removed From His Body

Constipated For 22 Years, Chinese Man Has 13kg Of Poop Removed From His Body
Doctors in China have removed nearly 13kg of faecal matter from the intestine of a 22-year-old man, who was constipated since birth, reports said.

Constipated For 22 Years, Chinese Man Has 13kg Of Poop Removed From His Body

This Is How Customers Are Getting Free Drinks At Wetherspoons

This Is How Customers Are Getting Free Drinks At Wetherspoons
Wetherspoon's Order And Pay App Is Turning Out To Be A Blessing In Disguise For The Customers.

This Is How Customers Are Getting Free Drinks At Wetherspoons

This Doctor Can Feel His Patients' Pain LITERALLY!

This Doctor Can Feel His Patients' Pain LITERALLY!
Joel Salinas, a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital can literally feel the emotional and physical sensations of his patients.

This Doctor Can Feel His Patients' Pain LITERALLY!

WATCH: Vivid Sydney Breaks Guinness World Record For Maximum Number Of Light Installations

WATCH: Vivid Sydney Breaks Guinness World Record For Maximum Number Of Light Installations
Guinness World Records, the global authority on record breaking, has awarded Vivid Sydney installation Dreamscape with the title for the 'Largest interactive lighting display'.

WATCH: Vivid Sydney Breaks Guinness World Record For Maximum Number Of Light Installations