This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, a two‑day event titled Save Point. The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, merges the excitement of video games with live streaming to generate donations for children in need. Fiona Baxter, the organisation’s senior fundraising manager, told GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community.

“We wanted a way to reach gamers not just as occasional donors but as active participants in our mission,” she explained. “Not everyone can sign up for a marathon or a cycling challenge, but a gaming marathon is far more inclusive and can attract a diverse range of supporters.” The event will be anchored by popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who has already demonstrated a knack for charitable fundraising by raising over £5,000 for Save the Children earlier this year.

Baxter emphasised that the partnership with TheKapFantastic is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to cultivate relationships with influencers, streamers, and everyday gamers alike. “We see massive potential to keep the dialogue open after Save Point ends,” Baxter said. “If we can introduce more people in the gaming world to the work we do and why it matters, we’ll have built a sustainable pipeline of supporters who might log in for future campaigns, charity streams, or even donate directly through in‑game purchases.” According to Baxter, the success of Save Point will be measured not only by the amount of money raised but also by the depth of community engagement.

“A true win would be walking away with a new crew of gamers who feel personally invested and who want to keep gaming for our cause because of the positive experience they had with us.” Because this is the charity’s first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the team anticipates a steep learning curve. “Every comment, every viewer interaction, every technical hiccup will give us data we can use to refine future events,” she added. “Our aim is to scale up, creating bigger, more polished gaming fundraisers year after year.” Baxter praised gamers and streamers as “the unsung heroes of fundraising,” noting that the gaming sector is setting a new, innovative standard for charitable support.

She highlighted the shared values that unite game lovers: storytelling, imagination, and the desire to escape into new worlds. “When we channel that passion into tangible, real‑world impact, we showcase just how powerful 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 attention from traditional holiday gifts to the essential items many children will need this Christmas—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter.

Baxter illustrated the contrast with a simple metaphor: “Anything you can order with a tap on a screen can be delivered to your door, but for millions of children this season, it’s not toys they’re waiting for—it’s life‑saving supplies.” The event will feature a schedule of live gaming sessions, charity challenges, and interactive donation drives. Participants can sign up in advance through a dedicated registration page, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, choosing the right platform, and promoting their stream to maximise reach. The charity will also provide promotional assets, such as banners, overlays, and suggested talking points, to help streamers communicate the mission effectively. In addition to the main streaming marathon, Save Point will incorporate community mini‑events, such as speed‑run contests, in‑game charity auctions, and collaborative multiplayer sessions where viewers can donate to influence gameplay outcomes.

These interactive elements are designed to keep audiences engaged and to turn passive viewership into active contribution. The partnership with TheKapFantastic will serve as a flagship example, with the streamer hosting a 24‑hour marathon that blends popular titles, indie gems, and retro favorites. Throughout the marathon, TheKapFantastic will invite guest gamers, interview Save the Children representatives, and showcase stories from children whose lives have been transformed by the charity’s work.

Baxter underscored the importance of transparency and accountability. “Every dollar raised will be tracked and reported back to our supporters, with clear breakdowns of how funds are allocated to food parcels, medical kits, winter clothing, and safe housing projects across the globe.” She added that the charity will publish a post‑event impact report, highlighting both financial outcomes and qualitative stories from beneficiaries. Looking ahead, Save the Children hopes that Save Point will become an annual fixture on the charity calendar, evolving alongside the gaming industry’s rapid growth.

“We’re excited to see how this space continues to innovate—whether through new streaming technologies, virtual‑reality experiences, or integrated in‑game donation mechanics,” Baxter said. “Our goal is to stay at the forefront, ensuring that the gaming community can keep turning its love of play into lasting, positive change for children worldwide."