United Airlines Invites Customers to Help Bring Smiles to Children in Need

United introduces new program for customers and co-workers from across the globe to participate in

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May 01, 2013, 09:30 ET

CHICAGO, May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines is announcing its 2014 United Adventure Bear program for customers and co-workers to lift the spirits of children in need. United designed a new, limited-edition GUND® teddy bear to be delivered by pilots, flight attendants and other airline employees to children across the globe. The new bear's name, Rhonda Globe, was chosen in a contest in which more than 800 United co-workers submitted ideas for the 2014 teddy bear.

"Each year we are overwhelmed by the response from our generous customers and co-workers who participate in this beloved bear program," said Mark Anderson, United's senior vice president of corporate and government affairs. "This year we're especially excited to introduce this new program that extends the opportunities to brighten a child's day to our customers and co-workers not just in the U.S., but all over the world."

From May 1 through June 30, 2013, United is inviting customers and co-workers from around the globe to participate in the program in one of two ways:

Make a $50 'Give a Bear, Get a Bear' contribution, in which a donor will receive their own limited-edition 2014 Adventure Bear (delivered in December 2013), send a second bear to a child in need and make a contribution to the program through the United Airlines Foundation.
Make a 100 percent tax-deductible contribution to the United Airlines Foundation in support of the Adventure Bear Program.

Click here for an image of the 2014 United Adventure Bear Rhonda Globe

Proceeds from the program will benefit organizations that help children and their families during health struggles or economic hardship, including the American Cancer Society® and Make-A-Wish® America. A portion of the funds raised will also benefit organizations within United's hub communities.

United employees and community partners will deliver Rhonda Globe bears to children in hospitals and communities around the globe in winter 2014.

For more information on United's Adventure Bear program and to make a donation, purchase a bear and brighten a child's day, visit www.united.com/adventurebear.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,446 flights a day to more than 370 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on nearly 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 194 countries via 27 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 or follow United on Twitter and 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