Haggen fundraisers exceed $83,000 for multiple sclerosis programs, research

Shoreline store at N 175th and Midvale

Haggen Food and Pharmacy customer, employee and corporate contributions to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are over $83,000 this year after results from April’s Walk MS were tallied.

Haggen Food and Pharmacy and its sister TOP Food and Drug stores were presenting sponsors of Walk MS, which was conducted by the MS Society’s Greater Northwest Chapter on April 2-3 at eight sites through Washington. To spur awareness and contributions, Haggen and TOP Food stores offered paper MS Feet for $1 apiece at checkout stands March 2-15. Stores also sold reusable bags and other products that were designated for Walk MS and many Haggen employees raised funds by participating in Walk MS.

The MS Society’s Greater Northwest Chapter serves more than 12,000 people living with MS in Western and Central Washington, Montana and Alaska, plus 72,000 others, including friends, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Walk MS donations also fund research to find a cause and cure for the disease.

“The MS Society fundraisers have been a companywide effort since 2004 since our employees and customers have connections to many families affected by multiple sclerosis,” said Haggen spokesperson Becky Skaggs. “Thanks to all who supported our efforts by buying MS Feet or pledging donations to employees participating in Walk MS.”

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.

Haggen, Inc. operates 29 stores in Washington and Oregon under the Haggen Food and Pharmacy and TOP Food and Drug names. Headquartered in Bellingham, it is the largest independent grocer based in the State of Washington.