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

23 Killed In Nepal Plane Crash

23 Killed In Nepal Plane Crash
All 23 people on board a Nepali airliner were on Wednesday killed when it crashed in the mountains of western Nepal early in the morning, officials here said.

23 Killed In Nepal Plane Crash

106-Year-Old Says She Can 'Die Happy' After President Obama Meeting

106-Year-Old Says She Can 'Die Happy' After President Obama Meeting
Video of the centenarian shaking her groove with excitement quickly went viral on the Internet after last week's Black History Month reception at the White House.

106-Year-Old Says She Can 'Die Happy' After President Obama Meeting

Your Spouse's Lifestyle Choices Can Make You Obese

Your Spouse's Lifestyle Choices Can Make You Obese
The research helped scientists to better understand links between obesity, genetics and lifestyle habits.

Your Spouse's Lifestyle Choices Can Make You Obese

Cocktail Capital Of Canada? Vancouver Raises The Bar As A Libation Destination

Cocktail Capital Of Canada? Vancouver Raises The Bar As A Libation Destination
Patrons of the Science World fundraiser are sipping Mai Tai vapour through straws at one station and shooting glow-in-the-dark gin and tonics at another.

Cocktail Capital Of Canada? Vancouver Raises The Bar As A Libation Destination

Starbucks Changes Rewards Program; Small Spenders Lose

 Starbucks is changing the terms of its rewards program so that people who spend around $5 or less per visit won't get as many freebies.

Starbucks Changes Rewards Program; Small Spenders Lose

As Feds Consider Bombardier's Plea, Notley Calls On Ottawa To Support Alberta

As Feds Consider Bombardier's Plea, Notley Calls On Ottawa To Support Alberta
Notley told CTV's Question Period Sunday that all Canadians benefit from a strong Alberta economy — which is struggling amid stubbornly low energy prices.

As Feds Consider Bombardier's Plea, Notley Calls On Ottawa To Support Alberta