United Airlines Invites Customers to Donate 'Ben Flyin' Teddy Bears to Kids in Need

CHICAGO, June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines' customers can now bring smiles and bear hugs to children in need with a contribution to Happy Hearts Fund. With a $20 contribution or more, United will deliver a limited-edition GUND® teddy bear, "Ben Flyin," to children experiencing health struggles or economic hardship in communities the airline serves worldwide. Ben Flyin, the seventh limited-edition bear in the United Adventure Bear program, aims to lift the spirits of children across the globe. The furry travel companion comes complete with an exploration-ready vest and a passport full of adventure-inspiring activities.

Visit United's Newsroom for photos of Ben Flyin

"Imagination can be the greatest escape for children, especially those who face difficult circumstances," said Nene Foxhall, United's executive vice president of communications and government affairs. "At United, we connect people to faraway places all over the world, and now Ben Flyin brings the wonder and magic of travel to these children wherever they are."

There are three ways customers can help:

• Give a Bear: with a $20 contribution, a child in need receives a Ben Flyin bear.
• Give a Bear, Get a Bear: with a $40 contribution, both a child in need and the customer receive a Ben Flyin bear.
• Make a 100 percent tax-deductible contribution: give any amount to support Happy Hearts Fund.

To make a contribution, customers can visit united.com/adventurebear through July 31. This fall United employees and program partners will deliver the bears to children at hospitals, schools and other organizations. From the United States to Australia, from Germany to Japan, United's teddy bears have traveled to nearly every corner of the globe.

All program proceeds will benefit Happy Hearts Fund - a non-profit foundation dedicated to rebuilding schools and restoring hope and opportunity in the lives of children after natural disasters. The organization was founded by supermodel Petra Nemcova in 2005 to restore hope and opportunities to children affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Later this month, United will receive Happy Heart Fund-s 2014 Honored Partner Award for its work with the organization.

United proudly supports hundreds of organizations worldwide like Happy Hearts Fund that work to improve lives through health and education, provide opportunities for youth, connect communities with arts and culture, and improve the environment. United's global workforce of more than 85,000 employees offer their time, talents and energy to make an impact in their communities.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of more than 5,200 flights a day to 369 airports across six continents. In 2013, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 139 million customers. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and, in 2014, will take delivery of 35 new Boeing aircraft, including the B787-9 as the North American launch customer, and will welcome 27 new E175 aircraft to United Express. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 26 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

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SOURCE United Airlines