Friday, March 27, 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

Review: Royal Canadian Circus show, SPECTAC 2018

Review: Royal Canadian Circus show, SPECTAC 2018
SPECTAC! is simply astounding. Every act is unique and filled with interesting delights and nerve-wracking moments. 

Review: Royal Canadian Circus show, SPECTAC 2018

WATCH: Why Ellen Degeneres Is 'Responsible' For Meghan Markle's Royal Wedding?

WATCH: Why Ellen Degeneres Is 'Responsible' For Meghan Markle's Royal Wedding?
TV show host Ellen DeGeneres just revealed that she is responsible for Meghan Markle's royal wedding with Prince Harry. Wondering how? Well, DeGeneres seems to have the story ready.

WATCH: Why Ellen Degeneres Is 'Responsible' For Meghan Markle's Royal Wedding?

PICS: A Look Back At Royal Wedding Dresses

PICS: A Look Back At Royal Wedding Dresses
Amid the preparations of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding, the Buckingham Palace and the Royal Collection Trust shared the details of previous dresses worn by British monarchs and those marrying into the royal family.

PICS: A Look Back At Royal Wedding Dresses

Mumbai Dabbawalas To Send Wedding Attire To 'Friend's Son' Prince Harry

Mumbai Dabbawalas To Send Wedding Attire To 'Friend's Son' Prince Harry
The much-awaited royal wedding between Prince Harry and Hollywood actress Meghan Markle holds a special place for the famous Dabbawalas of Mumbai, who have decided to gift a Maharashtrian wedding attire to the couple.

Mumbai Dabbawalas To Send Wedding Attire To 'Friend's Son' Prince Harry

Do You Hear 'Yanny' Or 'Laurel'? A Viral Audio Clip Spurs Ear-Splitting Social Media Debate

Do You Hear 'Yanny' Or 'Laurel'? A Viral Audio Clip Spurs Ear-Splitting Social Media Debate
The Laurel vs. Yanny debate is taking the internet by storm. The latest debate began on Reddit and expanded across social media.

Do You Hear 'Yanny' Or 'Laurel'? A Viral Audio Clip Spurs Ear-Splitting Social Media Debate

WATCh: Why You Should Argue in Front of Your Kids

WATCh: Why You Should Argue in Front of Your Kids
NYT best-selling author Adam Grant explains that hiding disagreements from children can impair their ability to learn creative problem-solving. 

WATCh: Why You Should Argue in Front of Your Kids