Monday, July 6, 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

Handy Field Work: Manitoba Farmer Has Unusual Marriage Proposal For Girlfriend

Handy Field Work: Manitoba Farmer Has Unusual Marriage Proposal For Girlfriend
John Yokimas took his girlfriend, Sally Hnatiuk, for a plane ride on Friday.

Handy Field Work: Manitoba Farmer Has Unusual Marriage Proposal For Girlfriend

Australian Woman To Run 3,800 km In India, Fund Education Of Underprivileged

Australian Woman To Run 3,800 km In India, Fund Education Of Underprivileged
Kicking off from August 22, Ms Gash will attempt to run nearly 3,800 km from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan to Mawsynram in Meghalaya within a period of 76 days.

Australian Woman To Run 3,800 km In India, Fund Education Of Underprivileged

School Lunch: Boost Child's Veggie Intake By Making Meals Fun

School Lunch: Boost Child's Veggie Intake By Making Meals Fun
TORONTO — When it comes to healthy school lunches, Carol Harrison is passionate about making them a teaching opportunity.

School Lunch: Boost Child's Veggie Intake By Making Meals Fun

Altruism Increases After You Cross 45

Altruism Increases After You Cross 45
Combining insights from psychology, behavioural economics and neuroscience, researchers, including one of Indian-origin, have discovered that pure altruism increases with age, especially after the age of 45.

Altruism Increases After You Cross 45

Lucky Baby Gets a Lifetime of Free Flights After Being Born on Plane

Lucky Baby Gets a Lifetime of Free Flights After Being Born on Plane
  The mother, whose due date was two months away, went into labour on board the Cebu Pacific Air flight Sunday as it flew from Dubai to Manila, her fellow passenger Missy Berberabe Umandal posted on Facebook.

Lucky Baby Gets a Lifetime of Free Flights After Being Born on Plane

Woman Sells Wedding Dress On eBay To Fund Divorce From 'Cheating Husband'

Woman Sells Wedding Dress On eBay To Fund Divorce From 'Cheating Husband'
Samantha Wragg, from Chesterfield, wore the dress on her wedding in August 2014. She claims her husband left her after 18 months and was already living with another woman, the Dailymirror reported.

Woman Sells Wedding Dress On eBay To Fund Divorce From 'Cheating Husband'