This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused and livestream‑driven fundraiser, an initiative branded Save Point. The event, scheduled for early December, is designed to tap into the enthusiasm of gamers and online content creators, offering a fresh avenue for supporters to contribute to the organization’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 charity’s connection with the gaming community.
“We wanted a platform that would let us interact with gamers not just as donors but as partners,” she explained. “Many people can’t commit to running a marathon or climbing a mountain, but a gaming marathon is far more inclusive and allows a different kind of supporter to make a real impact.” To bring the vision to life, Save the Children has teamed up with well‑known online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise more than £5,000 for the charity earlier in the year.
Baxter emphasized that the partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to cultivate relationships with gamers, streamers, and their audiences beyond the two‑day event. "If we can reach a broader slice of the gaming community and educate them about the work we do, that would be a massive win," Baxter said. "I’ll consider the event a triumph if we walk away with a fresh cohort of supporters who are eager to log on and game for us again because of the experience they’ve had." She also highlighted the learning potential of the pilot fundraiser. "Because this is our first foray into a gaming‑centric campaign, the feedback we gather will be priceless.
It will shape larger, more ambitious gaming events in the years to come." Baxter praised gamers and streamers as "the unsung heroes of fundraising," noting that the gaming arena is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support. She pointed out that many gamers share a love of narrative, imagination, and escapism, which can be redirected toward tangible, real‑world change. "When we turn our passion for play into a catalyst for lasting impact, we showcase just how powerful the gaming community can be," she asserted.
Save Point forms part of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," slated to launch in November 2026. The campaign seeks to shift public attention from traditional holiday gifts to the essential supplies that children in crisis need during the festive season—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter underscored the stark contrast between typical consumer expectations and the urgent needs of vulnerable children.
"Anyone can order a package with a few clicks, but for millions of children this Christmas, the deliveries they’re waiting for aren’t toys—they’re lifesaving essentials that protect their childhoods." The two‑day Save Point event will run from December 5 to December 6, 2026. Participants can sign up through a dedicated registration page, where they will receive guidance on setting up their own fundraising livestreams.
The charity encourages individuals of all skill levels—whether seasoned streamers or newcomers—to join the cause, emphasizing that every hour of gameplay streamed can translate into tangible support for children in need. In addition to the livestreams, Save Point will feature interactive challenges, community leaderboards, and special in‑game rewards provided by partner developers. These elements aim to keep viewers engaged and incentivize higher donation totals. The charity also plans to host Q&A sessions with field workers and beneficiaries, allowing gamers to hear directly from those whose lives are being transformed by the donations.
Baxter envisions a future where gaming fundraisers become a staple in the nonprofit sector. "We’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible when we blend entertainment with empathy," she remarked. "The data we collect from this inaugural event—viewer numbers, donation spikes, engagement metrics—will inform a roadmap for scaling up. Imagine annual global gaming marathons, collaborations with major esports tournaments, and even charity‑focused game releases.
The potential is enormous." By leveraging the reach and interactivity of livestream platforms, Save the Children hopes to tap into a demographic that is often under‑represented in traditional fundraising channels. The organization believes that the immersive nature of gaming can foster a deeper emotional connection to the cause, turning passive viewers into active donors and advocates. As the holiday season approaches, Save the Children’s leadership is optimistic that Save Point will not only raise critical funds but also spark a cultural shift in how charitable giving is perceived within the gaming world.
"When gamers see that their hobby can directly contribute to saving lives, it creates a powerful narrative that resonates far beyond the screen," Baxter concluded. "We’re excited to see how this experiment unfolds and to welcome a new generation of champions for children worldwide."