Haggen Sponsors Walk MS Fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

For the sixteenth consecutive year, Haggen, Inc. is partnering with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as a sponsor of the nonprofit’s annual Walk MS fundraiser. Haggen is the event’s largest corporate supporter in the state through the organization’s Greater Northwest Chapter, which serves more than 12,000 people with multiple sclerosis living in Alaska, Montana, Central and Western Washington.

This year marks Haggen’s fourth as presenting sponsor of the National MS Society, Greater Northwest Chapter’s Walk MS events in Washington. During the company’s 16 year involvement with the National MS Society, Haggen has raised and donated over half a million dollars in support of people living with MS in the communities they serve.

Haggen also provides direct support for two local walk events: the Bellingham Walk MS on April 13, 2013, and the Seattle Walk MS on April 14, 2013.  

“Multiple sclerosis affects more people in the Pacific Northwest than almost anywhere else on earth. We are committed to helping the National Multiple Sclerosis Society raise funds so that they can achieve their goal of creating a world free of MS,” said Clement Stevens, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Haggen, Inc. “We hope our shoppers also help support Walk MS by buying a Walk MS  ‘foot’ and reusable bag, or by participating in one of the walks.”

“Haggen is an incredible community partner, and we are honored to have their support again this year,” said Patty Shepherd-Barnes, Chapter President of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter. “We appreciate the outstanding efforts of the crew members at each Haggen and TOP store every year, and how they inspire their customers to support our work. We are truly grateful.”

From March 27 to April 13, shoppers at all 24 Washington Haggen and TOP Food & Drug stores can support the Greater Northwest Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by making a donation during check-out to receive a paper Walk MS “foot” that will hang in the store with the donor’s name listed. In addition, shoppers may purchase limited-edition, reusable Walk MS bags in support of the organization. Individual stores will hold separate fundraising events, such as hotdog feeds, car washes and recipe contests. In 2012, Haggen raised $50,000 for the organization through the “foot” donations and other fundraising activities.

On Saturday, April 13, the Haggen store at 2814 Meridian Street in Bellingham will serve as the starting point for the 1.75-mile-long Bellingham Walk MS. The Seattle Walk MS, which takes place Sunday, April 14, is four miles long and starts at the University of Washington. Registration for all Walk MS events is available online at http://www.walkMSwashington.org.

In 2012, Washington Walk MS events attracted over 9,000 participants and raised more than $1.6 million for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.