Wednesday, April 8, 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

This Is One Mannequin Challenge Everyone Should Absolutely Watch

This Is One Mannequin Challenge Everyone Should Absolutely Watch
On the eve of December 31, reportedly several women were molested and groped on M G Road and Brigade Road in Bengaluru even as 1,500 police personnel were deployed in the city.

This Is One Mannequin Challenge Everyone Should Absolutely Watch

Foldable iPhone Gun Puts Europe Police On Alert

A 9mm double-barrel gun designed like an iPhone has placed police in Europe on high alert after authorities received a warning that it could be flooded illegally into the continent when it goes on sale in the US.

Foldable iPhone Gun Puts Europe Police On Alert

B.C.'s Five Conditions Set Out For Trans Mountain Pipeline Approval

B.C.'s Five Conditions Set Out For Trans Mountain Pipeline Approval
British Columbia Premier Christy Clark said Wednesday that all of her government's conditions had been met for approval of Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline. Here is a list of the conditions the premier unveiled in 2012.

B.C.'s Five Conditions Set Out For Trans Mountain Pipeline Approval

Visit Florida To Pay $73,000 To Ceo After Rapper Kerfuffle

Visit Florida To Pay $73,000 To Ceo After Rapper Kerfuffle
Florida's tourism agency agreed Tuesday to pay its outgoing president and CEO $73,000 amid the fallout from the state's secret deal with rapper Pitbull and a video for his song "Sexy Beaches."

Visit Florida To Pay $73,000 To Ceo After Rapper Kerfuffle

Menopause For Killer Whales Involves Mother-Daughter Conflict: Study

Menopause For Killer Whales Involves Mother-Daughter Conflict: Study
VICTORIA — A study released today says mother-daughter conflicts over competition and co-operation are helping explain why killer whales go through menopause.

Menopause For Killer Whales Involves Mother-Daughter Conflict: Study

Canuck Cliche? Are Canadians Really As Nice As Meryl Streep And The World Insist?

Canuck Cliche? Are Canadians Really As Nice As Meryl Streep And The World Insist?
The notion that Canadians are extra nice is an enduring stereotype the Seattle-based writer wholeheartedly buys into, and it would seem a lot of Americans do, too.

Canuck Cliche? Are Canadians Really As Nice As Meryl Streep And The World Insist?