Tim Hortons is celebrating the Artemis II mission to the Moon with limited-edition Moonbits boxes available in London, Ontario. This event marks a significant moment in space exploration, as it is the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years, with a Canadian astronaut, Jeremy Hansen, part of the crew. “We’re excited to be celebrating this historic occasion with guests in London and the thrilling Canadian connection to this mission that we can all be so proud of,” said Hope Bagozzi, a representative from Tim Hortons.
However, the celebration comes amid a tragic incident that has drawn public attention and scrutiny. Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly blind refugee from Myanmar, was found dead on February 24, 2026, just five days after being left outside a closed Tim Hortons by U.S. Border Patrol. Shah Alam had sought safety in the U.S. and was dropped off on February 19, 2026, at the restaurant, which was not open at the time.
The circumstances surrounding Shah Alam’s death have been ruled a homicide, raising serious concerns about the treatment of vulnerable individuals by authorities. Mark Poloncarz, a local official, stated, “This should not have happened,” emphasizing the need for accountability. Activists have echoed this sentiment, with Murad Awawdeh asserting, “Every single person who was involved must be held responsible.” Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, condemned the actions of the U.S. Border Patrol, describing it as “the cruelty and inhumanity of depositing a man who could barely see, or speak English, outside a then-closed restaurant.”
Tim Hortons, which has nearly 4,000 restaurants across Canada and over 6,000 worldwide, has become synonymous with serving Canada’s favorite coffee since its inception in 1964. The company is now faced with the challenge of addressing the public’s concerns while celebrating a significant milestone in space exploration.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact circumstances leading to Shah Alam’s death, including the timeline of events after he was dropped off. As the investigation continues, the community and advocates are calling for a thorough examination of the protocols in place for handling refugees and vulnerable individuals.
