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

Former USAID Chief Rajiv Shah To Head Rockefeller Foundation

Former USAID Chief Rajiv Shah To Head Rockefeller Foundation
Rajiv Shah, who headed the US government's foreign aid operations, has been appointed the head of the Rockefeller Foundation, a multi-billion dollar private global charity with programmes in India.

Former USAID Chief Rajiv Shah To Head Rockefeller Foundation

Ancient Indians Knew About Tsunamis - And Protected Themselves

Ancient Indians Knew About Tsunamis - And Protected Themselves
For most Indians, tsunami became a household word after the 2004 disaster that pounded the country's eastern coast and killed several thousands.

Ancient Indians Knew About Tsunamis - And Protected Themselves

Toronto-Area Home Sales Hit Record High In 2016, Average Selling Price Soars

Toronto-Area Home Sales Hit Record High In 2016, Average Selling Price Soars
TORONTO — Annual home sales in the country's largest real estate market hit a record high last year, according to the latest data from the Toronto Real Estate Board, as activity in the closely watched Vancouver market began to slow.

Toronto-Area Home Sales Hit Record High In 2016, Average Selling Price Soars

Auto Sales Hit Record As Baby Boomers Treat Themselves To 'Nice Vehicles'

Auto Sales Hit Record As Baby Boomers Treat Themselves To 'Nice Vehicles'
TORONTO — Canadians bought vehicles in record numbers last year, driven by consumers who bought SUVs, pickup trucks and high-end models such as Jaguars and Porsches, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants said Wednesday.

Auto Sales Hit Record As Baby Boomers Treat Themselves To 'Nice Vehicles'

‘I Tried To Brainwash Myself Not To Be Gay’: One Sikh Man’s Struggle To Come Out

The conversation has been filmed in Punjabi with the intention of reaching out to those parents who do not speak or understand English.

‘I Tried To Brainwash Myself Not To Be Gay’: One Sikh Man’s Struggle To Come Out

People Are Laughing Because Melbourne’s Beaches Are Full Of Shit

People Are Laughing Because Melbourne’s Beaches Are Full Of Shit
Are you planning a vacation to Australia? We suggest you stay away from the beaches.

People Are Laughing Because Melbourne’s Beaches Are Full Of Shit