Dame Judi Dench has given her support to Cornwall charity ShelterBox this Christmas in a new 30-second film. 

In the fun charity video, 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 its 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 charity's virtual gifts include life-changing items like shelters, thermal blankets, and cooking sets to help families stay warm. 

Dame Judi said: “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 said: “At this time of year, many of us 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 added: “The number of people uprooted from their homes worldwide has never been higher and the need for emergency shelter has never been more urgent.”

Roughly 120 million people worldwide have been uprooted from their homes, with ShelterBox 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 to make a difference with a Christmas gift.