Aflac Releases 2026 Holiday Duck for Cancer Fund

The 25th annual Holiday Duck collectible raises money for children with cancer and blood disorders through net proceeds from sales.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Philanthropy

Plush green duck collectible in a puffy hooded vest with white trim and a red candy cane, resting on a wooden shelf beside wrapped gift boxes. — Aflac has released its 2026 Holiday Duck, the 25th annual collectible whose net sales fund children with cancer and blood disorders at U.S. hospitals. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Aflac has released its 2026 Holiday Duck, marking the 25th year of its annual fundraising program. Net proceeds from sales support children with cancer and blood disorders at participating U.S. hospitals.

Why it matters

The program has generated nearly $4.7 million in donations since 2001, providing ongoing support for pediatric oncology and hematology care across the country. Its longevity reflects sustained corporate fundraising aimed at childhood cancer treatment.

Holiday Duck sales have generated nearly $4.7 million in net proceeds since 2001, while Aflac, its employees and sales agents have donated more than $200 million to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta since 1995. The 2026 edition's fundraising total has not yet been reported.

The players

Aflac

Aflac is a U.S.-based supplemental insurance company known for its duck mascot and long-running childhood cancer fundraising efforts.

Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc.

The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation is the nonprofit that receives Holiday Duck net proceeds to support pediatric cancer care.

Kerry Hand

Kerry Hand serves as president of the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation and oversees its pediatric cancer fundraising work.

The details

The 2026 Holiday Duck is a collectible featuring a green hooded puffy vest with white faux-fur trim and a red-and-white candy cane accent, with a commemorative ribbon displaying the year. It produces the Aflac quack when squeezed and is available through the Aflac childhood cancer fundraising website, with net proceeds directed to the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc.

1995: Aflac began donating to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's cancer center.
2001: The Holiday Duck fundraising program was introduced.
2026: The 25th edition of the Holiday Duck was released.

Industry Context

The 2026 Holiday Duck extends a corporate cause-marketing program launched in 2001 that has run for 25 consecutive years. Its fundraising is tied to Aflac's broader pledge to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, which began in 1995.

Buyers who purchase the 2026 Holiday Duck directly support childhood cancer and blood disorder care through net proceeds. The collectible is available through the Aflac childhood cancer fundraising website.

The takeaway

Routine consumer purchases can channel meaningful support to pediatric health when companies commit to long-running fundraising programs. The 25-year Holiday Duck effort shows how sustained giving compounds over time.