This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, a two‑day live‑streaming marathon dubbed Save Point. The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, blends the excitement of video games with the power of online community fundraising, aiming to draw in a new wave of supporters who might not otherwise take part in traditional charity events such as marathons or galas. Fiona Baxter, the organization’s senior fundraising manager, told GamesIndustry.biz that Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming world.
"Save Point is allowing us to engage more with the gaming community, both from a partnership and individual supporter perspective. 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," she explained. By offering a platform that leverages the interactive nature of gaming, the charity hopes to make charitable giving feel as natural and enjoyable as a night of playing a favorite title.
The event will be anchored by a collaboration with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who has already demonstrated his commitment to the cause by raising over £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. Baxter emphasized that this partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to nurture relationships with gamers, influencers, and the broader digital audience.
"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‑centric fundraiser, the team is approaching the event as a learning laboratory.
"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 organization plans to collect data on viewer engagement, donation patterns, and streamer experiences to refine future campaigns, ensuring each subsequent event can raise more funds and attract even larger audiences.
Baxter also highlighted the pivotal role that gamers and streamers play in the charitable ecosystem, describing them as "unsung heroes of fundraising." She argued that the gaming space is pioneering a new, innovative standard for philanthropy. "There is an understanding between 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," she said. Save Point is part of the wider "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026.
The campaign seeks to shift public focus from the typical Christmas gift‑giving narrative to the stark reality that millions of children will be awaiting essential deliveries this season—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—rather than toys. Baxter underscored this point, stating, "Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen. 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." To take part in Save Point, participants can register their interest via the charity’s dedicated landing page. Once signed up, they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, including tips on choosing the right platform, engaging viewers, and integrating donation prompts seamlessly into their gaming sessions.
The charity will also provide promotional assets, such as custom overlays, badges, and donation trackers, to help streamers personalize their broadcasts and maintain a professional look. The event’s structure is designed to keep momentum high across the two days. On December 5, the kickoff will feature a live‑hosted panel with game developers, influencers, and Save the Children representatives discussing the intersection of gaming and social impact. Throughout the day, a schedule of speed‑run challenges, multiplayer tournaments, and charity‑focused game marathons will encourage viewers to donate in real time.
The following day, December 6, will culminate in a marathon gaming session where top streamers attempt to break records while the donation tally is displayed prominently on screen. By marrying entertainment with empathy, Save Point aspires to demonstrate that the digital playground can serve as a powerful conduit for humanitarian aid. The charity hopes that the event will not only generate immediate financial support for children in need but also lay the groundwork for an enduring partnership with the gaming community. As Baxter concluded, "If we can turn a night of gaming into a tangible lifeline for children who are waiting for essential supplies, then we’ve proven that play and purpose can coexist and amplify each other in meaningful ways." Anyone interested in joining the cause, whether as a streamer, viewer, or donor, is encouraged to sign up early.
The registration link will provide further details on technical requirements, fundraising targets, and how the proceeds will be allocated to the various emergency relief programs under the "One Delivery That Matters" umbrella. With Save Point, Save the Children aims to set a precedent for future collaborations that harness the enthusiasm of gamers to drive real‑world change.