This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused and livestream‑driven fundraiser, an event dubbed Save Point. The initiative, slated for December 5‑6, 2026, represents a strategic move by the organization to tap into the vibrant world of video games and online streaming as a new avenue for raising awareness and funds. Fiona Baxter, the senior fundraising manager at Save the Children, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community.
"Save Point was born out of a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community," she said. "We wanted an event that could bridge the gap between traditional fundraising and the digital playground where millions of gamers spend their time." Baxter emphasized that the format of the event makes it more inclusive than many classic charity challenges.
"Not everyone can run a marathon or climb a mountain," she explained. "A gaming marathon or livestream is far more accessible, allowing participants of all ages and abilities to take part. It also showcases a different kind of supporter—one who can contribute through skill, entertainment, and community interaction rather than physical endurance." To anchor the event, Save the Children has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, a figure who previously helped the charity raise over £5,000 earlier in the year.
This partnership underscores the organization’s commitment to building lasting relationships with influencers who can amplify its message to a dedicated audience. Looking beyond the two‑day window, Baxter expressed optimism about sustaining momentum with gamers and streamers after Save Point concludes. "It would be incredible to reach more people in this community with information about the work we do and why it matters," she said. "I’ll consider the event a huge success if we walk away with a new crew of supporters who want to game for us again because of their experience with us." Because this is Save the Children’s first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, Baxter highlighted the learning potential inherent in the venture.
"There are a lot of learning opportunities in this event. This is our first time doing this type of fundraiser, so the feedback we get will be invaluable and help us shape bigger and better gaming events year‑on‑year," she noted.
The charity plans to use participant insights to refine future campaigns, aiming for ever‑greater impact. Baxter also praised gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," noting that the gaming space is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support.
She described the community as one bound by a shared love of narrative, imagination, and the escapism that games provide. "By turning our love of gaming into a force for real‑world, lasting change, we're demonstrating just how powerful and impactful the gaming community can be," she said.
Save Point is a key component of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026. The campaign seeks to shift public focus from material gifts to essential deliveries that children in crisis need during the festive season—items such as food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter illustrated the contrast with a simple analogy: "Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen. But for millions of children this Christmas, it’s not toys or treats they’re waiting for – it's the deliveries that will save lives and protect childhoods." The event itself will run over two days, featuring a marathon of gameplay, interactive challenges, and live donation drives.
Participants can register their interest through a dedicated link, which will also provide guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, choosing donation platforms, and promoting the cause to their followers. The charity encourages both seasoned streamers and newcomers to join, emphasizing that every stream, no matter the size, contributes to the collective goal. In addition to the primary fundraising stream, Save Point will host a series of side events, including developer Q&A sessions, charity‑themed gaming tournaments, and behind‑the‑scenes looks at how the funds raised will be allocated. These supplementary activities aim to keep audiences engaged throughout the weekend and provide tangible context for the impact of their contributions.
By integrating gaming culture with humanitarian outreach, Save the Children hopes to set a precedent for other nonprofits. The organization believes that the interactivity, community spirit, and global reach of gaming can translate into substantial financial support and heightened awareness for children in need. As Baxter concluded, "When we combine the power of play with the urgency of our mission, we create a unique platform where entertainment drives real change." Save Point promises to be more than just a fundraiser; it is an experiment in blending digital entertainment with social responsibility, and a call to gamers worldwide to use their passion for a greater good. For those interested in taking part, registration details and livestream setup instructions are available through the event’s official portal.