The LCBO is enlisting celebrity help to keep customers two metres apart. The initiative, called #HanksforDistancing, uses life-sized Tom Hanks stickers to get people excited about social distancing. The decals are starting to pop up outside of certain LCBO stores in Toronto.
The company behind the scheme, Public Inc., picked Hanks because he is exactly six feet tall and contracted COVID-19 himself back in March.
Public Inc. rep Ashley Kenley told Narcity by email that they thought the opportunity was too good to pass up. Who better to serve as a reminder of the importance of keeping your distance?
Not only that, but Hanks' name lends itself nicely to a catchy slogan for the campaign.
According to Kenley, the LCBO is the first business to take part in using the Hanks stickers but they're hoping to get them all over the 6ix and have other businesses hop on the wave.
The campaign launched July 15 and at the moment, there are only two locations showing off the amazing decals.
Both the 87 Front St. E. and 49 Spadina Ave. LCBO locations will have Hanks in front of their stores, according to the Public Inc. website.
"'Hanks for keeping your distance," reads one of the stickers.
Hanks has been speaking out about his experience with the virus and continuously urges the public to do their part in the effort to combat the virus and stay safe.
"Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands. That alone means you are contributing to the betterment of your house, your work, your town, your society as a whole and it's such a small thing," said Hanks via CNN.
Well, he'll likely be pleased to know he's now reminding Torontonians in person. Sort of.
This isn't the first time Toronto has made efforts to remind the public to keep their distance in whimsical ways.
Whether its three geese apart or the length of a good ol' hockey stick, the city had placed various abstract signs across public spaces just a few months ago, to help residents visualize how much distance they should keep from others.
Taking it one step further, at Trinity Bellwoods Park, city workers painted "social distancing circles" for two people to enjoy a day at the park, while keeping away from others.
Although it's hard keeping up with the new normal, Toronto Mayor John Tory shared that social distancing rules won't end even when the lockdown is lifted in the city.
At least now, there's a celeb in town to tell us all what to do.
After all, says Kenley, "who wouldn’t listen to Tom Hanks?" Fair question.
Toronto, where you never know what you're going to get.