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

British Woman Becomes World's Youngest Commercial Airline Captain

British Woman Becomes World's Youngest Commercial Airline Captain
Kate McWilliams, with budget carrier easyJet, is based at London's Gatwick Airport. She began flying at the age of 13 in the air cadets before embarking on a training programme at CTC Aviation in Southampton on her 19th birthday.

British Woman Becomes World's Youngest Commercial Airline Captain

Watch: He Stopped Plane On Runway. Then Another Aircraft Crashed Right Into Him

Watch: He Stopped Plane On Runway. Then Another Aircraft Crashed Right Into Him
Thom Richard was competing in the Reno National Championship Air Races on September 18 when his plane was hit from behind by another aircraft.

Watch: He Stopped Plane On Runway. Then Another Aircraft Crashed Right Into Him

Trump Vs. Clinton Debate Monday: Let The Psychological Games Begin

Trump Vs. Clinton Debate Monday: Let The Psychological Games Begin
They feared opposition parties would leak their most damaging material to media just before a debate, to pull the prime minister and his top aides out of debate training and into a time-wasting exercise in damage control.

Trump Vs. Clinton Debate Monday: Let The Psychological Games Begin

This 69-Year-Old Grandpa From Nepal Goes To School Everyday

This 69-Year-Old Grandpa From Nepal Goes To School Everyday
Feeling low and can do with some inspiration? Read on.

This 69-Year-Old Grandpa From Nepal Goes To School Everyday

Watch: India's First Rural Skatepark Is Breaking Caste Barriers And Sending Children To School

Watch: India's First Rural Skatepark Is Breaking Caste Barriers And Sending Children To School
A bunch of little children in a remote village in Madhya Pradesh are bringing positive changes there, all thanks to a skateboard park.

Watch: India's First Rural Skatepark Is Breaking Caste Barriers And Sending Children To School

Watch: Massachusetts Mom Becomes Unconscious After Drug Overdose; Helpless Toddler Tries To Wake Her

Watch: Massachusetts Mom Becomes Unconscious After Drug Overdose; Helpless Toddler Tries To Wake Her
The footage shows the 36-year-old woman's frightened daughter trying to wake her up.

Watch: Massachusetts Mom Becomes Unconscious After Drug Overdose; Helpless Toddler Tries To Wake Her