Aflac Duck Laces up the Skates for Children's Cancer Research

COLUMBUS, Ga., Nov. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance in the United States, announced today that the company is once again teaming with Macy's to produce and sell the 2014 version of the Aflac Holiday Duck. The plush duck, an annual collector's item, is a popular gift that gives back to the community, with the net proceeds for every duck sold being donated to the participating children's cancer facility nearest to where it is purchased. More than 350 Macy's are participating this year across the country. Holiday Ducks are also available online at Aflacduckprints.com. This is the 14th year that Aflac and Macy's have teamed up for this important cause.

To make the 2014 Holiday Duck even more memorable, this year's version mirrors the new Aflac Duck balloonicle that will appear in the 88^th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is the 4^th time the Aflac Duck will appear in the parade but the first time for this fresh, new design that has the beloved icon skating down the streets of Manhattan in cool wintry garb.

"We are extremely excited to see the new version of the Aflac Duck cruising down 6^th Avenue for millions to see in person or on television during the 88^th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," Aflac Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Michael Zuna said. "And we can think of no better way to celebrate our new design than by enabling generous people to have a miniature version of their own by purchasing the 2014 Holiday Duck at Macy's or at Aflacduckprints.com. The added benefit is that all the net proceeds go to a great cause."

The Holiday Duck comes in two sizes. The six inch version is priced at $10 and the 10 inch version is listed at $15. Of course, each version quacks the familiar "Aflaaaac" when squeezed. Since 2001, more than $3 million has been raised from the sale of these cute, cuddly keepsakes.

"We are very excited to debut a brand new Aflac Duck balloonicle in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and to have the iconic spokesduck in-store as a highly coveted collectible keepsake," 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 the sale of this adorable plush. This year, sporting his festive wintry gear, the Aflac Duck is ready to kick off the holiday season with us and the nation."

In 1995, Aflac made childhood cancer its primary philanthropic cause. Since that time, the company has raised more than $92 million for the campaign, including donations of more than $425,000 from the company's independent sales agents every month. Aflac has set a new goal of surpassing $100 in contributions by the end of 2015.

About Aflac
When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For nearly six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the leading provider of voluntary insurance at the worksite. In Japan, Aflac is the number one life insurance company in terms of individual policies in force. Aflac individual and group insurance products help provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For eight consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2014, FORTUNE magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 16th consecutive year. Also, in 2014, FORTUNE magazine included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 13th time, ranking the company number one in the life and health insurance category. 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.

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

Media contacts – Jon Sullivan, 706.763.4813 or [email protected]

Analyst and investor contact – Robin Y. Wilkey, 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667, FAX: 706.324.6330, or [email protected].

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SOURCE Aflac

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