Tuesday, July 7, 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

Prince Harry takes up Diana's fight against AIDS

Prince Harry takes up Diana's fight against AIDS
LONDON — Prince Harry is set to follow his mother's example and use part of his time in the fight against AIDS.

Prince Harry takes up Diana's fight against AIDS

Parents In USA Not As Happy As Those Without Kids

Americans are not generally an unhappy people but parents in the US generally are not as happy as those without children, new research suggests.

Parents In USA Not As Happy As Those Without Kids

Get Even The Last Drop Out From Shampoo Bottle Soon

The new technology involves lining a plastic bottle with microscopic "y-shaped" structures that cradle the droplets of soap aloft above tiny air pockets so that the soap never actually touches the inside of the bottle.

Get Even The Last Drop Out From Shampoo Bottle Soon

Men More Eager To Have Condomless Sex With Pretty Women

Men More Eager To Have Condomless Sex With Pretty Women
Men are more willing to resort to unprotected sex when they find their partners hot, reveals a new scientific survey.

Men More Eager To Have Condomless Sex With Pretty Women

Fiery Crash On Toronto’s Highway 400 Leaves At Least 4 Dead, Several Injured

Fiery Crash On Toronto’s Highway 400 Leaves At Least 4 Dead, Several Injured
TORONTO — Multiple fatalities were reported in a fiery multi-vehicle crash Friday night on Highway 400 in north Toronto.

Fiery Crash On Toronto’s Highway 400 Leaves At Least 4 Dead, Several Injured

Japan's First Naked Restaurant Opens, But Only For Thin People With No Tattoos

Japan's First Naked Restaurant Opens, But Only For Thin People With No Tattoos
Sad news for those who are overweight, elderly and tattooed as you won't be able to enjoy a naked dining experience.

Japan's First Naked Restaurant Opens, But Only For Thin People With No Tattoos