This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, a live‑streamed event dubbed Save Point. The concept emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the gaming community, according to senior fundraising manager Fiona Baxter, who spoke with GamesIndustry.biz about the project’s origins and objectives. Baxur explained that Save Point was conceived as a more inclusive alternative to traditional physical challenges such as marathons. "Not everyone can commit to running 26.2 miles, but a gaming marathon or streaming marathon is far more accessible to a wide range of supporters," she said.
"Through Save Point we can reach both brand‑new partners in the gaming world and individual fans who want to contribute in a way that aligns with their passions." The event will feature a partnership with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped the charity raise more than £5,000 earlier in the year. Baxter emphasized that the collaboration is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to nurture relationships with gamers, influencers, and their audiences beyond the two‑day fundraiser.
"Our goal is to open a dialogue with this vibrant community, sharing the stories of the children we serve and illustrating why our work matters," she said. "If, after the event, we have a fresh cohort of gamers who feel inspired to support us again—whether by streaming, donating, or advocating for our cause—that will be a massive win." Because Save Point marks Save the Children’s first foray into this format, Baxter highlighted the learning potential embedded in the experience. "The feedback we collect will be priceless. It will guide us in scaling up future gaming‑centric campaigns, refining the technical setup, and improving the overall participant experience," she noted.
She also described gamers and streamers as "the unsung heroes of fundraising," pointing out that the gaming industry is carving out a new, innovative standard for charitable support. "Gamers are storytellers at heart. We love immersive narratives, imaginative worlds, and the sense of escape that games provide.
When we channel that enthusiasm toward real‑world impact, we demonstrate just how powerful that community can be," Baxter added. Save Point forms part of the larger "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, slated to launch in November 2026. The campaign seeks to shift public attention from the typical Christmas gift‑giving narrative to the urgent needs of children who are awaiting essential supplies—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—rather than toys.
"In the digital age, almost anything can be ordered with a few clicks and delivered to your doorstep," Baxter observed. "For many children this Christmas, however, the deliveries they need are not playthings but life‑saving essentials that protect their health and wellbeing." The Save Point fundraiser is scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026. Participants will be able to sign up through a dedicated registration link, which will also provide guidance on setting up a personal fundraising livestream, choosing donation platforms, and promoting the event to their own networks.
By blending the excitement of live gaming with a clear humanitarian purpose, Save the Children hopes to tap into a demographic that is both tech‑savvy and socially conscious. The organization anticipates that the event will not only generate direct donations but also raise awareness about the broader challenges faced by children in crisis zones during the holiday season.
In addition to the primary livestream, the charity plans to host supplementary content such as behind‑the‑scenes interviews with developers, panels discussing the role of games in social change, and interactive challenges that allow viewers to contribute in real time. These elements are designed to keep the audience engaged throughout the 48‑hour window and to illustrate concrete examples of how each contribution translates into tangible aid on the ground. Baxter concluded by reflecting on the transformative potential of this approach.
"When we combine the storytelling power of games with the generosity of a global audience, we create a new kind of philanthropy—one that is immersive, participatory, and deeply resonant. We’re excited to see how this experiment unfolds and to build on its successes for future campaigns," she said. Anyone interested in taking part in Save Point can register via the provided link, where they will also receive resources on how to set up a successful fundraising stream, tips for engaging viewers, and information on the specific projects their donations will support. The charity encourages both seasoned streamers and newcomers alike to join the effort, emphasizing that every hour of gameplay and every viewer interaction can contribute to delivering vital aid to children who need it most this Christmas.