This festive season, Dame Judi Dench is spreading a unique message of thoughtful giving with her characteristic charm and wit. In partnership with the international disaster relief charity ShelterBox, Dame Judi is urging everyone to rethink their gift-giving habits. Forget rollerblades, cleaning supplies, or skimpy red underwear, she’s calling for meaningful gifts that change lives.
A Humorous Take on Holiday Giving
In a heartwarming charity film, Dame Judi sneaks downstairs on Christmas morning to find an array of misguided presents. Each gift from rollerblades to a dustpan and brush, and even a red thong—elicits a bemused smile from the actor. With her signature dry humour, she quips, “Red just isn’t my colour!” The scene is both amusing and relatable, reminding us of those well-meaning yet impractical presents we’ve all received.
But beyond the laughter, there’s an important message. ShelterBox is encouraging people to think beyond material gifts and support families in crisis by purchasing virtual gifts that provide essential aid. These unique gifts can make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by disaster, conflict, or climate change.
ShelterBox: Offering Hope in Times of Crisis
Shelter Box is renowned for its life-saving work, delivering emergency shelter and essential items to families displaced by natural disasters, conflicts, and the growing impacts of the climate crisis. Their virtual gifts include items such as tents, cooking sets, thermal blankets, and water filters—tools that offer immediate and tangible relief to those in need.
Dame Judi, who has been a loyal advocate for Shelter Box over the years, emphasises the importance of their mission: “That’s what I love about Shelter Box. Aid items like tents, thermal blankets, and water filters are tangible. They make a difference.”
Every purchase of a Shelter Box virtual gift goes directly towards funding these critical aid items, ensuring families have the support they need to rebuild their lives in the face of devastating circumstances.
A Global Crisis Demands Urgent Action
The need for emergency shelter has reached unprecedented levels, with over 120 million people worldwide displaced from their homes. Shelter Box is actively responding to emergencies in Gaza and offering support to displaced families in regions like the Philippines, Lebanon, Mozambique, Somalia, Chad, Cameroon, and Yemen.
Kirsty Alexander, Head of Supporter Engagement at Shelter Box, highlights the value of thoughtful giving:
“This season is when many of us gather with family and friends to celebrate togetherness and warmth.” A Shelter Box virtual gift can help families around the world experience that sense of home again.”
Giving with Purpose
Purchasing a Shelter Box virtual gift ensures holiday presents have a lasting impact. Donations come with a gift certificate, perfect for placing under the Christmas tree, letting loved ones know they’ve contributed to a cause that truly matters.
Dame Judi’s heartfelt appeal resonates deeply: “The global displacement crisis has reached unprecedented levels, making the demand for emergency shelter more critical than ever.”
Join Dame Judi in Spreading Hope
This Christmas, make a difference by supporting Shelter Box’s life-changing work. Join Dame Judi Dench in transforming holiday giving into an opportunity to bring warmth, safety, and hope to those who need it most.