This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its very first gaming‑focused fundraising campaign, titled Save Point. The initiative merges the excitement of video games with the reach of live streaming, creating a novel way for supporters to contribute to the organization’s mission during the most charitable time of the year.
Fiona Baxter, the senior fundraising manager at Save the Children, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community. "We wanted a platform where gamers, streamers, and their audiences could rally around a cause that matters, and Save Point gave us that opportunity," she said. Unlike traditional endurance challenges such as marathons, which demand significant physical preparation, a gaming‑based fundraiser is far more inclusive. "Not everyone can train for a marathon, but almost anyone can sit down at a console or PC and play," Baxter noted.
"This accessibility allows us to showcase the diverse ways supporters can make an impact, whether they’re seasoned e‑sports athletes or casual players joining for fun." To bring the event to life, Save the Children has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, a figure who has already demonstrated a strong commitment to the charity by raising over £5,000 earlier in the year. The partnership highlights a growing trend where individual content creators leverage their platforms to drive charitable giving, turning entertainment into a vehicle for social good.
Baxter emphasized that the organization’s goals extend well beyond the two‑day event slated for December 5‑6, 2026. "Our vision is to cultivate lasting relationships with gamers and streamers," she explained.
"If we can introduce more people in this community to the vital work we do and why it matters, we’ll have built a new cohort of advocates who will continue to support us long after the livestream ends." She added that the success of Save Point will be measured not only by the funds raised but also by the community built around it. "A huge win for us would be walking away with a fresh crew of supporters who are excited to game for us again because of the experience they had this time," Baxter said. "That ongoing enthusiasm is what will sustain future campaigns." Because this is Save the Children’s first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, there is a wealth of learning to be gathered. "The feedback we receive will be priceless," Baxter remarked.
"It will help us refine our approach and scale up to even larger, more ambitious gaming events in the years to come." Baxter also praised gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," noting that the gaming sector is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support. She explained that the community of game lovers shares a deep appreciation for storytelling, imagination, and escapism. "When we channel that passion into real‑world impact, we demonstrate just how powerful the gaming community can be," she said. This sentiment underscores a broader cultural shift: players are increasingly viewing their hobby not just as entertainment but as a platform for meaningful change.
Save Point is a cornerstone of Save the Children’s larger campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026. The campaign aims to draw attention to the fact that, for millions of children around the globe, the most crucial gifts this Christmas are not toys but essential supplies—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter highlighted the stark contrast between the convenience of modern delivery services and the dire needs of vulnerable children.
"Anything you can order with a tap of a screen can be delivered to your door," she said, "but for countless children this holiday season, it’s not toys they’re waiting for—it’s life‑saving deliveries that protect their childhoods." The two‑day Save Point event will run from December 5 to December 6, 2026. Participants can sign up by registering their interest through the provided link, which also supplies guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream.
Once registered, gamers can choose to stream their gameplay, organize charity tournaments, or simply encourage their viewers to donate during the broadcast. The charity will provide promotional assets, donation tracking tools, and real‑time updates on fundraising milestones, ensuring that each streamer can focus on engaging their audience while the technical side is handled by Save the Children’s team. In addition to the primary livestreams, Save Point will feature a series of auxiliary activities designed to keep the momentum high throughout the weekend.
These include: - **Charity Gaming Marathons:** Streamers will commit to playing a selected game for extended periods, with donation goals tied to in‑game achievements. - **Community Challenges:** Viewers can unlock special incentives, such as exclusive digital badges or shout‑outs, by reaching collective fundraising targets. - **Developer Partnerships:** Select game developers will contribute in‑game items or limited‑edition skins, with proceeds directed to the campaign. - **Educational Panels:** Short talks from Save the Children staff and gaming influencers will explain how donations translate into real‑world impact, reinforcing the connection between play and philanthropy.
By integrating these elements, Save Point aims to create a vibrant, interactive experience that not only raises funds but also educates participants about the charity’s mission. The event’s design reflects a broader strategy to harness the persuasive power of digital communities, turning screen time into a catalyst for social change. Overall, Save Point represents a pioneering step for Save the Children, merging the worlds of gaming and charitable giving in a way that is both inclusive and impactful.
As the event approaches, the organization hopes to inspire thousands of gamers to pick up their controllers, turn on their cameras, and join a global effort to deliver essential supplies to children who need them most this Christmas.