This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, a live‑streamed event titled Save Point. The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, is designed to tap into the enthusiasm of gamers and content creators, offering a fresh, accessible way for supporters to contribute to the organization’s mission.
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. “We wanted a platform where we could interact with gamers not just as donors but as partners,” Baxter explained.
“Many people can’t commit to running a marathon or climbing a mountain, but a gaming marathon is something far more inclusive, allowing a diverse range of participants to get involved and see the impact of their support in real time.” To bring the event to life, Save the Children has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise more than £5,000 for the charity earlier this year. The partnership underscores the organization’s strategy of collaborating with influencers who already have a proven track record of mobilising their audiences for good causes. Baxter emphasized that the charity is eager to nurture these relationships beyond the two‑day fundraiser.
“Our goal is to keep the dialogue open with gamers and streamers after Save Point ends,” she said. “If we can introduce more people in this space to the work we do and why it matters, we’ll have built a lasting bridge between the gaming world and humanitarian aid.” She added that a key measure of success will be the emergence of a new cohort of supporters who, after experiencing the event, choose to continue gaming for the cause. The inaugural nature of Save Point also presents a valuable learning curve for the charity.
“Because this is our first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the feedback we gather will be essential,” Baxter noted. “It will help us refine the format and scale up future events, making them even more impactful year after year.” Describing gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," Baxter highlighted how the gaming arena is pioneering new methods of charitable engagement. She pointed out that the community’s love of storytelling, imagination, and immersive play translates into a powerful engine for social change.
“When we channel that passion into real‑world action, we demonstrate just how influential the gaming community can be in driving lasting improvements for children in need,” she said. Save Point is a central element of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026. The campaign aims to shift the public’s focus from traditional holiday gifts to essential supplies that children in crisis desperately need—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter illustrated the contrast with a vivid metaphor: “Anyone can order a gadget or a toy with a few clicks, but for millions of children this Christmas, the most critical deliveries are those that sustain life and protect childhood.” The event will be streamed live, with participants encouraged to set up their own fundraising channels.
Interested individuals can sign up through a dedicated registration page, where they will receive guidance on how to configure a livestream, promote their efforts, and track donations. By leveraging the reach of platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming, Save Point aims to generate a global audience, turning casual viewers into active contributors.
In addition to the primary fundraising goal, Save Point will feature interactive segments such as gaming challenges, Q&A sessions with humanitarian experts, and behind‑the‑scenes looks at how donations are transformed into life‑saving deliveries on the ground. These elements are intended to keep viewers engaged, educate them about the realities faced by children in conflict zones and disaster‑stricken areas, and illustrate the tangible outcomes of their generosity. The charity also plans to showcase stories from beneficiaries, highlighting how the supplies delivered through the campaign have made a difference in real families’ lives. By weaving personal narratives into the livestream, Save Point hopes to create an emotional connection that motivates viewers to give more generously and repeatedly.
Looking ahead, Baxter expressed optimism that the success of Save Point could pave the way for larger, more ambitious gaming events. “If we can prove that a two‑day streaming marathon can raise significant funds and awareness, we’ll have a blueprint for expanding into multi‑week tournaments, esports championships, and collaborative charity raids with major game developers,” she said.
“The possibilities are vast, and the gaming community is ready to rise to the challenge.” Ultimately, Save the Children’s foray into the gaming world reflects a strategic shift toward meeting supporters where they are—online, interactive, and eager to make a difference through the mediums they love. By turning the joy of play into a catalyst for humanitarian aid, Save Point aims to deliver not just virtual victories, but real‑world relief for children who need it most this holiday season.