This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑centric fundraising initiative, a two‑day event titled Save Point, which will run on December 5‑6, 2026. The concept emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the worldwide gaming community, a sector that has shown remarkable enthusiasm for social causes in recent years.
Fiona Baxter, the charity’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that Save Point was "born from a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community." She emphasized that the event is designed to be inclusive, offering a platform for both established gaming partners and individual supporters who might not be able to take part in traditional physical challenges like marathons. "Not everyone can run a marathon, so an event like this is a lot more accessible and allows us to showcase what a different type of supporter can do," Baxter explained. The event will be anchored by a collaboration with popular online content creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who has previously demonstrated his fundraising prowess by generating over £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. This partnership underscores the charity’s strategy of leveraging influential voices within the gaming sphere to amplify its message and reach new audiences.
Looking beyond the immediate fundraiser, Baxter expressed a strong desire to sustain and expand these relationships with gamers and streamers long 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's important," she said. "I will consider it a huge success if we walk away from this event with a new crew of supporters who might want to game for us again because of their experience with us." Because this is Save the Children’s first foray into a gaming‑focused fundraiser, the organization anticipates a steep learning curve.
Baxter highlighted that the feedback gathered during Save Point will be crucial for refining future initiatives. "There are also 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.
Baxter also praised gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," pointing out that the gaming sector is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support. She elaborated on the cultural synergy between gaming and philanthropy, noting that many gamers are drawn to storytelling, imagination, and the escapism that video games provide.
By channeling that passion into real‑world impact, the community can demonstrate its capacity for meaningful change. "There is an understanding among game‑lovers that we are a group of people who love stories, imagination and escaping to new worlds through the power of play. 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," Baxter affirmed.
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 supplies that many children desperately need during the festive season. While many families anticipate toys and treats, millions of children are instead waiting for life‑saving deliveries such as nutritious food, essential medicines, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter underscored the stark contrast between typical holiday shopping and the urgent needs of vulnerable children.
"Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen," she remarked. "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 Save Point event will feature a range of activities designed to engage participants of varying skill levels and interests. Streamers will host live gaming sessions, charity marathons, and interactive challenges, all while encouraging viewers to donate directly through integrated fundraising platforms. Participants can also set up their own fundraising livestreams, using the event’s branding and resources to promote personal donation goals.
The charity will provide toolkits and guidance on how to maximize reach, engage audiences, and convert viewership into tangible financial support. To join the effort, interested individuals can register their interest via the Save Point sign‑up page. Once registered, they will receive detailed instructions on how to set up a fundraising livestream, including technical support, best‑practice tips for audience interaction, and suggestions for game choices that tend to attract larger viewer bases. The charity aims to create a supportive ecosystem where even newcomers to streaming feel confident contributing to the cause.
Beyond the immediate financial contributions, Save Point seeks to foster a lasting community of gamers who are informed about the charity’s mission and motivated to support future initiatives. By exposing the gaming audience to stories of children in need, the organization hopes to inspire ongoing advocacy and volunteerism, turning a one‑off event into a catalyst for long‑term partnership. In summary, Save Point represents an innovative blend of entertainment and philanthropy, leveraging the reach and passion of the gaming world to address critical humanitarian needs during the holiday season.
Through strategic collaborations, accessible participation models, and a clear focus on delivering essential aid to children, Save the Children aims to set a precedent for how charitable fundraising can evolve in the digital age.