This festive season, Dame Judi Dench has a very clear message for Santa: keep the skimpy red underwear. The actor has revealed what she doesn’t want to find under the tree this year.

1. Skimpy red underwear – red just isn’t her colour!

2. Roller blades – she’s always been more of an ice skater!

3. Dustpan and brush – cleaning supplies are not for Christmas!

In a fun charity film (https://shelterbox.org/more-ways-to-take-action/virtual-gifts), Dame Judi sneaks down early on Christmas morning to open her presents, only to be left baffled by the gifts she unwraps. Each surprise is met with her signature wry smile and a chuckle, reminding us of the sometimes-misguided gift-giving efforts we can all be guilty of.

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. Their virtual gifts include life-changing items like shelters, thermal blankets, and cooking sets to help families stay warm.

Dame Judi Dench says: “That’s what I love about ShelterBox. Aid items like tents, thermal blankets, and water filters are tangible. They make a difference.”

Kirsty Alexander, Head of Supporter Engagement, at ShelterBox says: “It’s a time of year when we come together at home with friends and family. 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.”

Dame Judi adds: “The number of people uprooted from their homes worldwide has never been higher and the need for emergency shelter has never been more urgent.”

By joining Dame Judi and ShelterBox in spreading the spirit of thoughtful giving, shoppers can ensure their virtual gifts go towards causes that matter. They can then pop a gift certificate under the tree and show their loved ones the real value of the gift.

120 million people worldwide have been uprooted from their homes. ShelterBox is 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.

Visit shelterbox.org to learn more about the charity’s work across the world and how you can make a difference with a Christmas gift (https://shelterbox.org/more-ways-to-take-action/virtual-gifts).

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information contact the press office at ShelterBox via pr@shelterbox.org

• Interviews available with Head of Supporter Engagement at ShelterBox, Kirsty Alexander. No interviews are available with Dame Judi Dench.

• More images and b-roll available on request: (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/51dme3znwqp5638gcqxr9/AE9y8HDrwqwaWq3gztwR9ds?rlkey=54yp5sm3fnh70o7bnupnd18nh&e=2&st=2qb76qwb&dl=0)

About ShelterBox

ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and other essential items to families who have lost their homes to disasters. With operational headquarters in Cornwall, the charity also has 13 affiliate organisations worldwide. The charity has been Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief since 2012. ShelterBox has supported more than three million people since it was founded in 2000. www.shelterbox.org

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