Haggen Continues its Support of Walk MS Fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

PRESS RELEASE

As presenting sponsor, Washington grocery chain is the event’s largest supporter in the state.

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — March 23, 2015 — Haggen, Inc. has announced its partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, as a sponsor of the nonprofit’s annual Walk MS fundraiser for the 18^th consecutive year. This year also marks Haggen’s seventh as presenting sponsor of the Chapter’s Walk MS events in Western Washington.

Haggen is Walk MS’s largest corporate supporter in the state through the organization’s Greater Northwest Chapter, which serves more than 15,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in Alaska, Northern Idaho, Montana and Washington. The fundraiser consists of 11 local walks across Washington throughout April, in addition to 13 other Walk MS events in communities throughout the Chapter territory.

Through the company’s long involvement with the National MS Society, Haggen has raised and donated more than half a million dollars in support of people with MS living in the communities they serve

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In 2014, Haggen raised $55,000 through the sales of Walk MS ‘feet’ at Haggen checkout stands

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“The National MS Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, does outstanding work to raise funds for critical MS research and improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in our state and beyond, and we are proud to once again give them our full support,” said John Clougher, Haggen CEO, Pacific Northwest. “We encourage Haggen’s Washington shoppers to support Walk MS by buying a Walk MS ‘foot’ and reusable bag, or by participating at their local walk.”

“Haggen is an incredible community partner. In addition to their generous presenting sponsorship, we’re so appreciative of the energy each Haggen employee gives through the Walk MS ‘foot’ sales, and for the support Haggen shoppers give the fundraiser. We are thrilled and honored to have their support again this year,” said Patty Shepherd-Barnes, Chapter President of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter.

From April 8 through 21, shoppers at all Washington Haggen stores can support the Greater Northwest Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by making a donation during checkout to receive a paper Walk MS “foot

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” The foot will hang in the store with the donor’s name listed. In addition, shoppers may purchase limited-edition, reusableWalk MS bags in support of the organization

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Individual stores will hold separate fundraising events, such as hotdog feeds, car washes and recipe contests.

In 2014, Walk MS events throughout the Greater Northwest Chapter territory attracted more than 11,000 participants and raised more than $2.1 million for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Registration for all Walk MS events is available online at http://www.walkMS.org

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About Haggen

Founded in 1933 in Bellingham, Washington, Haggen has built its business on providing guests the freshest and most local products with genuine service, while supporting the communities it serves. The company currently operates stores in Washington and Oregon, and is in the process of acquiring an additional 146 stores. With this acquisition, Haggen will expand from 18 stores with 16 pharmacies to 164 stores with 106 pharmacies; from 2,000 employees to more than 10,000 employees; and from a Pacific Northwest company with locations in Oregon and Washington to a major regional grocery chain with locations in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona. Throughout its eight decades in business, the company has supported regional farms, ranches, fisheries and other businesses, creating a lasting and sustainable local food economy. The company remains focused on building local, sustainable food economies as it expands. For more information about what’s happening at Haggen, visit haggen.com

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