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

Vancouver Parks Board Launches New Weapon In Fight Against Hungry Beetle

Vancouver Parks Board Launches New Weapon In Fight Against Hungry Beetle
Starting this week, biologists will treat 31 sports fields with nematodes, microscopic roundworms that kill the grubs of the European chafer beetle.

Vancouver Parks Board Launches New Weapon In Fight Against Hungry Beetle

Bear Confrontation Teaches B.C. Man Lesson On Backcountry Preparation

Bear Confrontation Teaches B.C. Man Lesson On Backcountry Preparation
Tom Coveney says he was running near the Fernie Alpine Resort, just south of Fernie, when he was challenged by a black bear.

Bear Confrontation Teaches B.C. Man Lesson On Backcountry Preparation

The 9th Annual Mega Job Fair and Business Expo 2016

The 9th Annual Mega Job Fair and Business Expo 2016
– Make Your Career, Jump-Start Your Business, Find Your Network!

The 9th Annual Mega Job Fair and Business Expo 2016

Hiroshima Unhappy Atomic-bomb Park Is 'Pokemon Go' Site

Hiroshima Unhappy Atomic-bomb Park Is 'Pokemon Go' Site
TOKYO — "Pokemon Go" players are descending on an atomic bomb memorial park in Hiroshima, and officials of the western Japanese city are displeased.

Hiroshima Unhappy Atomic-bomb Park Is 'Pokemon Go' Site

Novel Way To Clean Drinking Water A Hope For India

Novel Way To Clean Drinking Water A Hope For India
In hope for countries like India where clean drinking water is a big issue, a team of researchers including an Indian-origin engineer has found a way to use graphene oxide sheets to transform dirty water into drinking water which could be a global game-changer.

Novel Way To Clean Drinking Water A Hope For India

'Pokemon Go' Fans Play In India Despite No Official Launch

'Pokemon Go' Fans Play In India Despite No Official Launch
"Pokemon Go" has yet to officially arrive in India, but that's not stopping people there from playing the highly addictive online game.

'Pokemon Go' Fans Play In India Despite No Official Launch