This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, a live‑streamed event dubbed "Save Point." The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, is designed to tap into the enthusiasm of gamers and content creators, offering a novel way for supporters to contribute to the charity’s mission. Fiona Baxter, the charity’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the gaming community.
"Save Point was born out of a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community," she explained. "We wanted an event that would be as inclusive as possible, giving people who might not be able to run a marathon or take part in a traditional charity walk a chance to get involved in a way that feels natural to them." Unlike physically demanding challenges, a gaming marathon can be joined from any location with a computer or console, making it far more accessible. "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 said. By leveraging the interactive nature of live streaming, the charity hopes to attract both individual participants and corporate partners who see value in aligning their brands with a cause that resonates with a youthful, tech‑savvy audience.
To give the event a strong launchpad, Save the Children has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic. The influencer, who previously raised more than £5,000 for the charity earlier in the year, will host the main broadcast, encouraging viewers to donate, share the link, and even join the gameplay themselves.
Baxter emphasized that this partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy. "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 charity’s first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the team anticipates a steep learning curve. "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," Baxter noted. The insights gathered—from donation spikes during key gameplay moments to audience engagement metrics—will inform future campaigns, potentially expanding into e‑sports tournaments, collaborative charity streams, and even in‑game purchase integrations.
Baxter also praised gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," highlighting how the gaming world is beginning to set a new, innovative standard for charitable activism. "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," she said. "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." Save Point is a key component of Save the Children’s broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026. The campaign aims to shift public attention from the typical holiday gift‑giving narrative to the pressing needs of children who, this year, will be waiting for essential deliveries rather than presents.
These deliveries include food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—basic necessities that can mean the difference between life and death for vulnerable youngsters. Baxter underscored the stark contrast between the consumerist hype of the season and the reality faced by millions of children. "Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen," she observed.
"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." Participants who wish to join Save Point can register their interest through the event’s sign‑up page. Once registered, they will receive detailed instructions on how to set up a fundraising livestream, including tips on choosing the right platform, promoting the stream, and integrating donation widgets.
The charity will also provide promotional assets, such as banners and overlay graphics, to help streamers maintain a professional look while keeping the focus on the cause. In addition to the main broadcast, Save Point will feature a schedule of side‑events, including charity speed‑run challenges, Q&A sessions with game developers who support the cause, and collaborative playthroughs where multiple streamers team up to reach fundraising milestones. These ancillary activities are intended to keep the audience engaged throughout the two‑day window, encouraging repeated donations and sustained viewer interaction. The initiative also opens doors for corporate sponsorships.
Gaming hardware manufacturers, software studios, and peripheral brands are being approached to provide prize packs, matching donation schemes, or even exclusive in‑game items that can be unlocked through charitable contributions. Such partnerships not only amplify the fundraising potential but also reinforce the message that the gaming industry can play a pivotal role in social responsibility.
As the date approaches, Save the Children is hopeful that Save Point will set a precedent for future collaborations between the nonprofit sector and the digital entertainment world. By marrying the immersive appeal of video games with the altruistic drive of charitable giving, the organization aims to create a replicable model that other charities can adopt, ultimately broadening the impact of philanthropy in the digital age. Whether you are an avid gamer, a casual viewer, or simply someone looking for a new way to give back during the festive season, Save Point offers a welcoming platform to make a tangible difference.
By turning screen time into a force for good, participants can help ensure that, for countless children around the globe, the most important delivery this Christmas is one that brings safety, health, and hope. To get involved, visit the Save Point registration page, sign up, and start planning your livestream. Together, the gaming community can transform a weekend of play into a lifeline for those who need it most.