Aflac Duck Hits the Slopes With Macy's Heading Toward Holiday Cheer

COLUMBUS, Ga., Nov. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the number one provider of supplemental insurance in the United States, is once again teaming with Macy's to offer the 2013 Aflac Holiday Duck; an annual collector's item that supports a very good cause. This marks the thirteenth year that Aflac and Macy's have sold the annual plush duck, with all of net proceeds going to support research and treatment of childhood cancer at facilities across the nation.

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On the wings of last year's successful program, Aflac once again conducted a Holiday Duck design contest at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, which Aflac has sponsored since 1995. This year's winning entry came from Michelle Nguyen (Win), a 14 year-old patient from John's Creek, Ga., who has battled thalassemia, a rare genetic blood disorder, since she was six months old.

"Michelle did a wonderful job on her design and she should be proud that hundreds of thousands of people will buy her Aflac Holiday Duck while supporting a great cause at the same time," Aflac Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Michael Zuna said. "Aflac is pleased to call childhood cancer its primary philanthropic cause, and every purchase of Michelle's Holiday Duck will move us one step closer to finding a cure. So I urge anyone looking for a gift that gives back to buy Michelle's 2013 Aflac Holiday Duck."

The 2013 Aflac Holiday Duck is dressed to hit the slopes this holiday season in the most fashionable Aflac ski gear that Michelle could imagine. When squeezed, this festive "swoosher" quacks its familiar "Aflaaaaac." It is on sale at more than 360 Macy's department stores across the country and at aflacholidayduck.com. All net proceeds go to participating pediatric cancer hospitals in the region where the duck is purchased. The Duck comes in both a six and 10 inch version.

"The iconic Aflac Duck is a must-have keepsake every holiday," said Amy Kule, Group Vice-President of Macy's Parade & Entertainment Group. "For over a decade, Macy's and Aflac have helped to raise awareness and funds for the fight against childhood cancer with this adorable duck. We encourage all families to take one home this holiday season and support this important initiative."

Since 2001, the Aflac Holiday Duck has raised more than $3 million for pediatric cancer research and treatment, which is part of the more than $83 million that Aflac has raised to fund cancer research since 1995. Each month Aflac's independent sales agents contribute more than $450,000 to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center in Atlanta from their commission checks to support childhood cancer research at the organization.

About Michelle Nguyen
Michelle Nguyen, 14, was diagnosed with thalassemia when she was six months old. The young Georgia native gets a monthly blood infusion at the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and is on numerous medications to help keep her disease under control. When Michelle is not in the hospital she likes to watch TV, hang out with friends, and, of course, draw pictures. Michelle likes music, plays the flute in her school's band and is a huge Selena Gomez fan.

ABOUT AFLAC
When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For more than 55 years, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance. In Japan, Aflac is the number one life insurance company in terms of individual policies in force. Aflac individual and group insurance products provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For seven consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2013, FORTUNE magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 15th consecutive year. Also, FORTUNE magazine included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 13th time in 2013. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com or espanol.aflac.com.

About Macy's  
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy's offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks^® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade^®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy's flagship stores -- including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California -- are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers, employees and Macy's Foundation, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy's media materials, images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

SOURCE Aflac Inc.