Sunday, December 14, 2025
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

How Mark 'Zucked' Facebook And Its Brand Image

Facebook is perhaps the best example of how a great idea of connecting with family and friends online can become a catastrophe in just 15 years of its existence.

How Mark 'Zucked' Facebook And Its Brand Image

Dogs Can Sniff Out Cancer In Blood With 97% Accuracy

Dogs have smell receptors 10,000 times more accurate than humans', making them highly sensitive to odours we can not perceive.

Dogs Can Sniff Out Cancer In Blood With 97% Accuracy

WATCH: Versatile Pakistani Actress Bushra Ansari Attempts To De-Escalate Indo-Pak Tension With New Rap Song

The two perform verses by Neelum Ahmad Bashir as they launch the Bushra Ansari YouTube Channel.

WATCH: Versatile Pakistani Actress Bushra Ansari Attempts To De-Escalate Indo-Pak Tension With New Rap Song

'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' Title Song Parody Version By Indonesian Fans Will Make Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol And Rani Super Proud!

Among the colossal fan base of Shah Rukh Khan are three Indonesians who have exhibited their love for him in the best possible way.

'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' Title Song Parody Version By Indonesian Fans Will Make Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol And Rani Super Proud!

Game Of Thrones Fans Lose Their Calm As They Find Tyrion Lannister's Doppelganger In Pakistan

The 25-year-old so resembles actor Peter Dinklage that he gets regularly stopped by strangers desperate for a picture.

Game Of Thrones Fans Lose Their Calm As They Find Tyrion Lannister's Doppelganger In Pakistan

VIDEO: Meet Nidar Singh Nihang, The Only Living Master Of A Centuries-Old Sikh Battlefield Art Of 'SHASTAR VIDYA'

Nidar Singh Nihang is the sole-surviving master and ninth teacher of a classical school of learning established in 1661, called the Baba Darbara Singh Shastar Vidy

VIDEO: Meet Nidar Singh Nihang, The Only Living Master Of A Centuries-Old Sikh Battlefield Art Of 'SHASTAR VIDYA'