Sunday, March 29, 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

B.C. NDP Target Housing, Child Care, Affordability In Return To Legislature

B.C. NDP Target Housing, Child Care, Affordability In Return To Legislature
The NDP will set out its agenda for the latest legislative session with a throne speech on Tuesday, followed by the provincial budget on Feb. 20.

B.C. NDP Target Housing, Child Care, Affordability In Return To Legislature

Scottish Police In Dramatic 45- Minute Standoff With Tiger, Only To Find It's A Stuffed Toy

Scottish Police In Dramatic 45- Minute Standoff With Tiger, Only To Find It's A Stuffed Toy
A Facebook group, UK Cop Humor, shared photos of the stuffed animal and poked fun at the officers who reported to the farm.

Scottish Police In Dramatic 45- Minute Standoff With Tiger, Only To Find It's A Stuffed Toy

Chinese Cops Now Have Hi-tech Glasses To Screen Crowds For Criminals

Chinese Cops Now Have Hi-tech Glasses To Screen Crowds For Criminals
Police personnel wearing glasses equipped with facial recognition technology have been deployed at a railway station in a central Chinese city to screen large numbers of travellers during the Chinese New Year for wanted criminals.

Chinese Cops Now Have Hi-tech Glasses To Screen Crowds For Criminals

Miss Virtual Kazakhstan Finalist Arina Aliyeva Disqualified After Shocking Revelation

Miss Virtual Kazakhstan Finalist Arina Aliyeva Disqualified After Shocking Revelation
Despite serious concerns over mass banking of personal information, the use of the smart glass technology is part of China's broad plans to use artificial intelligence and big data to create a massive surveillance system to maintain public, according to official media reports.

Miss Virtual Kazakhstan Finalist Arina Aliyeva Disqualified After Shocking Revelation

Watch: This Australian Street Artist Sings A Beautiful Rendition Of The Popular Song 'JUGNI'

Watch: This Australian Street Artist Sings A Beautiful Rendition Of The Popular Song 'JUGNI'
An Australian street artist's rendition of Arif Lohar's Jugni has gone viral, and many people are sharing it online. Yes, it's the same song that was later featured in the movie 'Cocktail'.

Watch: This Australian Street Artist Sings A Beautiful Rendition Of The Popular Song 'JUGNI'

Cambodian Actress Allegedly Gets Possessed By A Spirit While Playing Ghost For A Horror Film

Cambodian Actress Allegedly Gets Possessed By A Spirit While Playing Ghost For A Horror Film
A video of the actor sitting eerily in a room, with the other members crowded outside the door has surfaced on social media, and is being widely shared.

Cambodian Actress Allegedly Gets Possessed By A Spirit While Playing Ghost For A Horror Film