Saturday, July 4, 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

Donald Trump Campaign Portrays Sikh As Muslim Supporter On Campaign Flyer

Donald Trump Campaign Portrays Sikh As Muslim Supporter On Campaign Flyer
Gurinder Singh Khalsa, a resident of Fishers city in Indiana who immigrated to the US from India, featured in the handbill advertisement with the word "Muslim" superimposed above his picture, WTHR TV channel reported.

Donald Trump Campaign Portrays Sikh As Muslim Supporter On Campaign Flyer

CMHC Raises Red Flag About Housing, Cites Spillover From Toronto, Vancouver

CMHC Raises Red Flag About Housing, Cites Spillover From Toronto, Vancouver
The head of the federal housing agency is raising a red flag about the state of Canada's real estate sector, saying affordability concerns have spilled over from the country's two most expensive cities to nearby markets.

CMHC Raises Red Flag About Housing, Cites Spillover From Toronto, Vancouver

Why Do Indian-Americans Support Clinton Over Trump?

Why Do Indian-Americans Support Clinton Over Trump?
The Indian-Americans largely support Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton because of the unique relationship she has built with the community and India, according to one of her major backers.

Why Do Indian-Americans Support Clinton Over Trump?

Love Trashy Films? You Must Be Smart

Love Trashy Films? You Must Be Smart
Individuals who prefer to watch "bad" or "trashy" movies, typically known as the low-budget films, are smarter, a study has found.

Love Trashy Films? You Must Be Smart

This Pakistani Girl’s Facebook Post For Men Finding Breast Cancer Funny Is Thought-Provoking

This Pakistani Girl’s Facebook Post For Men Finding Breast Cancer Funny Is Thought-Provoking
'Educate yourselves and those around you. Female bodies are not just objects. We are real humans with real diseases.'

This Pakistani Girl’s Facebook Post For Men Finding Breast Cancer Funny Is Thought-Provoking

Watch: Chinese Man Drinks Chilli Oil To Get Famous; Lands Up In Hospital

Watch: Chinese Man Drinks Chilli Oil To Get Famous; Lands Up In Hospital
His extreme, dare-devil act ultimately ended with a stay in hospital for two weeks

Watch: Chinese Man Drinks Chilli Oil To Get Famous; Lands Up In Hospital