Friday, July 3, 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

Photo Taken By India's Mangalyaan Lands National Geographic Cover

Photo Taken By India's Mangalyaan Lands National Geographic Cover
There are less than a dozen images of the full disc of Mars and experts acknowledge that India's Mangalyaan has taken some of the best images. 

Photo Taken By India's Mangalyaan Lands National Geographic Cover

Bhagwant Mann's On Dharna Outside Parliament, Internet Is Having Fun

Bhagwant Mann's On Dharna Outside Parliament, Internet Is Having Fun
A photograph of Mann sitting in protest was tweeted by AAP convener on Twitter to garner support as the party has been claiming Mann’s ouster as “political conspiracy”. 

Bhagwant Mann's On Dharna Outside Parliament, Internet Is Having Fun

'He's Not Chotu': Video On Child Labour Grabbing Online Views

'He's Not Chotu': Video On Child Labour Grabbing Online Views
A satirical video titled "Hes not Chotu", which delves on problems of child labour in India, is garnering positive feedback in the online space.

'He's Not Chotu': Video On Child Labour Grabbing Online Views

Racism Controversies Or Not, Trump Names Loyalists To Key Cabinet Posts

Racism Controversies Or Not, Trump Names Loyalists To Key Cabinet Posts
Donald Trump made one thing clear Friday: He will appoint loyalists to top positions — controversy be damned.

Racism Controversies Or Not, Trump Names Loyalists To Key Cabinet Posts

Why Women Are Better At Multitasking Than Men

Why Women Are Better At Multitasking Than Men
Multitasking is harder for men because they need to mobilise additional areas of their brain and use more energy than women when switching attention between tasks, says a study.

Why Women Are Better At Multitasking Than Men

PM Modi Facing Threat To Life After Currency Ban: Baba Ramdev

PM Modi Facing Threat To Life After Currency Ban: Baba Ramdev
Lauding government's decision to demonetise high value bank notes, yoga guru Ramdev today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing threat to his life from drug mafia, terrorists and other economic offenders in the wake of this "historic" move.

PM Modi Facing Threat To Life After Currency Ban: Baba Ramdev