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

Come Together: Beatles Fans Still Flock To Zebra Crossing For Abbey Road Photo

Come Together: Beatles Fans Still Flock To Zebra Crossing For Abbey Road Photo
It's nearly 50 years since Iain Macmillan snapped the cover photo for the Beatles' Abbey Road album, and still fans of the Fab Four flock from around the globe to the landmark zebra crosswalk to capture their own shot.

Come Together: Beatles Fans Still Flock To Zebra Crossing For Abbey Road Photo

Former Canadian Rugby International John Cannon Dies Of Suspected Heart Attack At 35

Former Canadian Rugby International John Cannon Dies Of Suspected Heart Attack At 35
  Cannon passed away early Saturday, according to his father.

Former Canadian Rugby International John Cannon Dies Of Suspected Heart Attack At 35

Watch: Man Crushes Donald Trump Sign With Jeep, Gets 6 Million Facebook Views

Watch: Man Crushes Donald Trump Sign With Jeep, Gets 6 Million Facebook Views
The vandalism video titled 'I love having a jeep sometimes' has gone viral since posted on March15, now has over 6.5 million views on Facebook…

Watch: Man Crushes Donald Trump Sign With Jeep, Gets 6 Million Facebook Views

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals Face More Mood, Anxiety Disorders

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals Face More Mood, Anxiety Disorders
Gay, lesbian and bisexuals experience more mood and anxiety disorders than other people, says a new study, adding that they are more likely to turn to heavy drinking.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals Face More Mood, Anxiety Disorders

Shakespeare Offers Insight Into Trans Struggles, Experience: Scholar

Shakespeare Offers Insight Into Trans Struggles, Experience: Scholar
Mary Ann Saunders, an English professor at the University of British Columbia, said she was struck after watching Julie Taymor's 2010 Hollywood interpretation of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" by parallels between the antics of Ariel and her own experience as a trans woman.

Shakespeare Offers Insight Into Trans Struggles, Experience: Scholar

Warm Winter Weather, Weak Economy Take Bite Out Of Pet Sector Sales

Warm Winter Weather, Weak Economy Take Bite Out Of Pet Sector Sales
An unseasonably warm winter in Eastern Canada and a weak economy have taken a big bite out of sales from businesses that cater to furry best friends, the pet products industry says.

Warm Winter Weather, Weak Economy Take Bite Out Of Pet Sector Sales