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

Rescue Flight Leaves South Pole With Sick Workers; Canadian-Owned Plane Used

Rescue Flight Leaves South Pole With Sick Workers; Canadian-Owned Plane Used
CALGARY — A Canadian-owned Twin Otter turboprop plane left the South Pole on Wednesday with two sick workers in a rescue mission from a remote U.S. science outpost, federal officials said.

Rescue Flight Leaves South Pole With Sick Workers; Canadian-Owned Plane Used

Death Of Sea Stars In Howe Sound Reveals Ecological Domino Effect

Death Of Sea Stars In Howe Sound Reveals Ecological Domino Effect
VANCOUVER — A mass die-off off of sea stars in British Columbia's Howe Sound appears to be causing a significant change in the ecology of the waterway north of Vancouver.

Death Of Sea Stars In Howe Sound Reveals Ecological Domino Effect

Click Here When I Die: Sites Lay Out Plans For Loved Ones

Click Here When I Die: Sites Lay Out Plans For Loved Ones
NEW YORK — Several websites are trying to make death easier -- for the people left behind.

Click Here When I Die: Sites Lay Out Plans For Loved Ones

Riding Segway's Hoverboard Is Like Skiing On LA's Streets

Riding Segway's Hoverboard Is Like Skiing On LA's Streets
LOS ANGELES — A new self-balancing electric scooter from Segway grows on you. Like a comfortable pair of shoes, it takes you places, but on wheels.

Riding Segway's Hoverboard Is Like Skiing On LA's Streets

Famous Qawwal And Sufi Singer Amjad Sabri Shot Dead In Karachi

Famous Qawwal And Sufi Singer Amjad Sabri Shot Dead In Karachi
Qari Saifullah Mehsud, spokesperson for the TTP Hakimullah Mehsud group, has accepted responsibility for the attack.

Famous Qawwal And Sufi Singer Amjad Sabri Shot Dead In Karachi

Sweet! Electrical Trick May Lead To Less Fat In Chocolate

By running liquid chocolate through an electric field, researchers were able to make it flow more easily. And that means it doesn't need so much fat, they say.

Sweet! Electrical Trick May Lead To Less Fat In Chocolate