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

Cannes Bans Full-Body 'Burkini' Swimsuits From Beaches Citing Security Concerns

Cannes Bans Full-Body 'Burkini' Swimsuits From Beaches  Citing Security Concerns
PARIS — The French resort of Cannes has banned full-body, head-covering swimsuits worn by some Muslim women from its beaches, citing security concerns.

Cannes Bans Full-Body 'Burkini' Swimsuits From Beaches Citing Security Concerns

Need To Cut Down On Drinking Alcohol? Get Hitched

Need To Cut Down On Drinking Alcohol? Get Hitched
Singles are more inclined to drink more often, and in larger quantities, the findings showed

Need To Cut Down On Drinking Alcohol? Get Hitched

Monsoon Arts Festival Kicks off This Friday with HONOUR: Confessions of a Mumbai Courtesan

Monsoon Arts Festival Kicks off This Friday with HONOUR: Confessions of a Mumbai Courtesan

What’s buzzing in Vancouver…? Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts! For all theatre l...

Monsoon Arts Festival Kicks off This Friday with HONOUR: Confessions of a Mumbai Courtesan

Malia Obama Allegedly Caught Smoking Pot At Festival In Chicago

Malia Obama Allegedly Caught Smoking Pot At Festival In Chicago
The website claimed an eyewitness smelled cannabis in the air

Malia Obama Allegedly Caught Smoking Pot At Festival In Chicago

Canadians Pay More For Mobile Services Than Most In G7 Nations, Australia

Canadians Pay More For Mobile Services Than Most In G7 Nations, Australia
A CRTC report says Canadians pay some of the highest prices for mobile phones compared to those living in the other G7 nations and Australia.

Canadians Pay More For Mobile Services Than Most In G7 Nations, Australia

'Nothing Can Stop Her:' Paralyzed Edmonton Tot A Whiz In Homemade Wheelchair

'Nothing Can Stop Her:' Paralyzed Edmonton Tot A Whiz In Homemade Wheelchair
At 13-months old, the paralyzed toddler skilfully wheels her homemade wheelchair around the simulated track at Treehouse, an indoor playground in northeast Edmonton that she often visits with her mom.

'Nothing Can Stop Her:' Paralyzed Edmonton Tot A Whiz In Homemade Wheelchair