Take a Quack at Pediatric Cancer

In advertising, it always helps to have something memorable that's synonymous with the product you're trying to sell. Over the past decade, Aflac has had the good fortune of being one of those companies, with its Aflac Duck. The duck has appeared in numerous commercials since 2000, which has kept comic Gilbert Gottfried (the duck's voice) steadily employed.

Along with providing a widely recognizable identity to Aflac, the duck has also served as a way to fight pediatric cancer. According to this PR Newswire release, for the ninth consecutive year, a plush version of the duck will be sold during the holiday season, with all the proceeds going toward pediatric cancer research and treatment. Since 2001, Aflac has raised more than $2.2 million from sales of the Aflac Holiday Duck. This year's version (see above) is available at more than 200 Macy's Department Stores and at aflacholidayduck.com.

"Aflac understands that many families who routinely make charity a part of their holiday traditions are struggling this year," according to Aflac's manager of cause and marketing philanthropy, Buffy Swinehart, as quoted in the release. "The Aflac Duck, which is always there in times of need, offers fans with tight budgets a chance to give back in a meaningful way."

Beginning Sunday, November 1, you can pick up a 6-inch duck for $10 or the 10-inch version for $15. And fair warning to parents: it quacks "Aflaaac" when squeezed.

Photo courtesy of PRNewsFoto/Aflac