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

Visit Simon Fraser University’s Surrey Campus For SFU’s 50th Anniversary Open House March 2

Visit Simon Fraser University’s Surrey Campus For SFU’s 50th Anniversary Open House March 2
  The event will offer a host of interactive activities and information on programs offered at the campus while celebrating SFU’s diversity and community connections.

Visit Simon Fraser University’s Surrey Campus For SFU’s 50th Anniversary Open House March 2

The Model With The Prosthetic Leg, Walks The Ramp At The New York Fashion Week

The Model With The Prosthetic Leg, Walks The Ramp At The New York Fashion Week
28-year-old model is making waves after her New York Fashion Week debut. Lauren Wasser — who spent four years recuperating from toxic shock syndrome — stormed the ramp

The Model With The Prosthetic Leg, Walks The Ramp At The New York Fashion Week

Delhi Domestic Help Is Now A Model For Leading Indian Designer

Delhi Domestic Help Is Now A Model For Leading Indian Designer
Do clothes make a woman or does the woman infuse her natural charm into an ensemble and make it memorable?

Delhi Domestic Help Is Now A Model For Leading Indian Designer

Doggie Darlings On Instagram Can Mean Big Business For Their Owners

Doggie Darlings On Instagram Can Mean Big Business For Their Owners
Dean just turned two years old, but he already has more than 107,000 Instagram fans following his squirrel-chasing, stick-fetching and snack-sneaking adventures in Toronto.

Doggie Darlings On Instagram Can Mean Big Business For Their Owners

Indian-Origin Physicist Madhu Menon Discovers Material Better Than Graphene

Indian-Origin Physicist Madhu Menon Discovers Material Better Than Graphene
An Indian-origin scientist has developed a new one atom-thick flat material that could upstage the wonder material graphene for having properties allowing it to be used in advance digital technology.

Indian-Origin Physicist Madhu Menon Discovers Material Better Than Graphene

Women Riders Wanted: Motorcycle Trade Shows Look To Attract New Bikers

Women Riders Wanted: Motorcycle Trade Shows Look To Attract New Bikers
Last year, Sylvie Brisebois fulfilled her longtime dream of taking a solo motorcycle ride to California.

Women Riders Wanted: Motorcycle Trade Shows Look To Attract New Bikers