ShelterBox works with Bond star in light-hearted Christmas film
This festive season, Dame Judi Dench brings her charm and wit to a delightful 30-second film encouraging people to give a gift this year that really means something.
In a fun charity film, Dame Judi sneaks down early on Christmas morning to open her presents, only to be left baffled by the gifts she unwraps – including skimpy red underwear, which she dismisses, saying ‘red is not my colour’.
Each gift is met with her signature wry smile, serving a gentle reminder of the often-misplaced efforts in gift giving.
But there’s a heartfelt message behind the laughter. Dame Judi has teamed up with the international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox, to promote their virtual gifts.
The message is simple, instead of spending money on presents that may not hit the mark, why not give to charity and buy a gift that makes a difference.
ShelterBox specialises in emergency shelter and other essential household items for families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by disaster, conflict, or the climate crisis.
The virtual gifts include life-changing items like shelters, thermal blankets, and cooking sets to help families stay warm.
‘They make a difference’
‘That’s what I love about ShelterBox. Aid items like tents, thermal blankets, and water filters are tangible. They make a difference,’ explains Dame Judi.
‘The number of people uprooted from their homes worldwide has never been higher and the need for emergency shelter has never been more urgent.’
The charity says 120 million people worldwide have been uprooted from their homes. It’s currently responding with emergency shelter in Gaza and supporting displaced people across the world in places like the Philippines, Lebanon, Mozambique, Somalia, Chad, Cameroon, and Yemen.
‘At this time of year, many of us come together at home with friends and family,’ says Kirsty Alexander, ShelterBox’s Head of Supporter Engagement. ‘A ShelterBox virtual gift can help give others around the world a sense of home too.’
‘We’re incredibly lucky that Dame Judi has supported ShelterBox for many years, and was such a good sport in helping us make this little film. It’s been a joy to work with her on a project that combines humour with a heartfelt message.’
