Tim Hortons is celebrating the Artemis II mission to the Moon with limited-edition Moonbits boxes available in London, Ontario. This initiative highlights the chain’s connection to a historic moment in space exploration, as the Artemis II mission marks the first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years.
Hope Bagozzi, a representative from Tim Hortons, expressed excitement about the celebration, stating, “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.” With nearly 4,000 restaurants across Canada and a total of 6,000 worldwide, Tim Hortons has become synonymous with serving Canada’s favorite coffee since its inception in 1964.
However, the celebration comes at a time of sorrow and scrutiny following the tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly blind refugee from Myanmar. Shah Alam was found dead on February 24, 2026, just five days after being dropped off by U.S. Border Patrol outside a closed Tim Hortons in Buffalo, New York.
Shah Alam had sought safety in the U.S. and was left to die in the street after being abandoned. His death has been ruled a homicide, raising serious questions about the actions of those involved. Local officials, including Mark Poloncarz, have stated, “This should not have happened,” emphasizing the need for accountability.
Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, condemned the actions taken by the Border Patrol, highlighting the “cruelty and inhumanity” of leaving a man who could barely see or speak English outside a closed restaurant. Activists and community leaders, like Murad Awawdeh, are calling for every individual involved to be held responsible for this tragic incident.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact circumstances leading to Shah Alam’s death, including the timeline of events after he was dropped off. The community is left grappling with the duality of celebrating a significant achievement in space exploration while mourning the loss of a vulnerable individual.
