Sunday, July 5, 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

She Is The Wife Of An Army Officer And She’ll Tell You What It Really Means To Be One

She Is The Wife Of An Army Officer And She’ll Tell You What It Really Means To Be One
She says that there were times when the only way they could communicate was through letters.

She Is The Wife Of An Army Officer And She’ll Tell You What It Really Means To Be One

This New Smart Strap Turns Your Finger Into A Phone

This New Smart Strap Turns Your Finger Into A Phone
Move over, earphones! You may soon be able to answer phone calls just by placing your finger in your ear, thanks to a new wearable smartwatch strap developed by a Korean company.

This New Smart Strap Turns Your Finger Into A Phone

Why Elderly People Should NOT Use Electric Fans

Why Elderly People Should NOT Use Electric Fans
While electric fans keep young adults cooler by increasing the evaporation of sweat, they may, surprisingly, have the opposite effect for those above the age of 60, suggests new research.

Why Elderly People Should NOT Use Electric Fans

Indian Student Builds Real-Life Walking Iron Man Suit - For Just $750

Indian Student Builds Real-Life Walking Iron Man Suit - For Just $750
Vimal Govind Manikandan, an engineering student from Kerala, recently made international headlines after building a fully-functional exosuit inspired by Marvel superhero, Ironman.

Indian Student Builds Real-Life Walking Iron Man Suit - For Just $750

Love Happens At Fourth Sight, Not First

Love Happens At Fourth Sight, Not First
Love at first sight is a myth - and lovers need to meet at least four times before Cupid's arrow strikes their hearts, said a study.

Love Happens At Fourth Sight, Not First

Chinese Parents Are Taking Kids as Young as Three to 'CEO Training Courses'

Chinese Parents Are Taking Kids as Young as Three to 'CEO Training Courses'
In a bid to give their children a head start in life, wealthy Chinese parents are enrolling them in all kinds of early education programs, including CEO training courses.

Chinese Parents Are Taking Kids as Young as Three to 'CEO Training Courses'