Wednesday, July 8, 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

Princess Charlotte's Playmate? Royals Welcome A Hamster

Princess Charlotte's Playmate? Royals Welcome A Hamster
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, told a 9-year-old girl about Marvin during a school visit Wednesday.

Princess Charlotte's Playmate? Royals Welcome A Hamster

Prince Charles And Camilla Visit Canada House In England

Prince Charles And Camilla Visit Canada House In England
LONDON — Everything seemed to sparkle Wednesday as Prince Charles and his wife Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall checked out the renovated Canada House on Trafalgar Square in the ceremonial centre of London.

Prince Charles And Camilla Visit Canada House In England

Wearing 'Punjabiat' Through Tradition And Catchy Slogans

Wearing 'Punjabiat' Through Tradition And Catchy Slogans
This is one thing that Punjabis don't mind wearing on their sleeves - 'Punjabiat'. Even the younger generation of Punjabis, be it in India or abroad, are quite inclined to do so.

Wearing 'Punjabiat' Through Tradition And Catchy Slogans

Love At First Skype: Bride's Father Officiates Bolivian Marriage In Nova Scotia

Love At First Skype: Bride's Father Officiates Bolivian Marriage In Nova Scotia
HALIFAX — A couple who fell in love over long distance were married the same way: Over Skype.

Love At First Skype: Bride's Father Officiates Bolivian Marriage In Nova Scotia

Some Older Couples Have 'Weddings' Without Getting Married

Some Older Couples Have 'Weddings' Without Getting Married
Pendergraft bought her the ring after she visited him in Georgia. "He didn't want people to think I'd spent time with a strange man in Georgia," Reppe recalled with a laugh.

Some Older Couples Have 'Weddings' Without Getting Married

Economy Or First Class? Study Shows Seat Sections Biggest Predictor Of Air Rage

Economy Or First Class? Study Shows Seat Sections Biggest Predictor Of Air Rage
"We could all smell them," said Katy DeCelles, who teaches organizational behaviour at the University of Toronto. "Something like that makes you very aware of the fact that you are not being treated as special as someone else."

Economy Or First Class? Study Shows Seat Sections Biggest Predictor Of Air Rage