This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its first ever gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, a two‑day event dubbed Save Point. The campaign, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, merges the excitement of video games with the power of live streaming to rally support for children in need during the most vulnerable time of the year.
Fiona Baxter, the organisation’s senior fundraising manager, told GamesIndustry.biz that Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community. “We wanted a way to reach gamers and streamers in a manner that feels natural to them,” Baxter explained.
“Not everyone can sign up for a marathon or a cycling challenge, but a gaming marathon is far more accessible and can attract a diverse range of participants, from casual players to professional e‑sport athletes.” The event will be anchored by popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise more than £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year through a series of charity streams. Baxter highlighted that this partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to cultivate relationships with influential figures in the gaming world. “If we can demonstrate the impact of their involvement and give them a platform to showcase their passion for our cause, we hope they’ll return for future campaigns and perhaps even bring new supporters into the fold,” she said. Save Point is part of the broader “The One Delivery That Matters” initiative, which launches in November 2026.
The campaign aims to shift the public’s focus from traditional holiday gifts to the essential supplies that many children desperately need – food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter underscored the stark contrast between the usual festive shopping experience and the reality faced by millions of youngsters: “Anyone can order a gadget or a toy with a few clicks, but for many children this Christmas, the most valuable delivery is one that sustains life and protects their childhood.” The format of Save Point is straightforward yet innovative.
Participants sign up to host their own livestreams, whether they are playing a favourite title, completing speed‑run challenges, or simply chatting with their audience while encouraging donations. Viewers can contribute directly through integrated donation links, and the platform will feature leaderboards that showcase top‑fundraising streamers, fostering a friendly competitive spirit. The charity will also provide a toolkit with tips on how to set up a successful stream, suggested donation milestones, and ready‑made graphics to help creators maintain a consistent visual identity. Baxter believes the event offers a wealth of learning opportunities for both the charity and the gaming community.
“This is our first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, so the feedback we receive will be invaluable. It will help us refine the model, improve the technology stack, and design even larger, more impactful events in the years to come.” She added that the insights gathered will inform future collaborations with game developers, esports organisations, and platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Describing gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," Baxter praised the sector for its willingness to experiment with new charitable formats.
She noted that the gaming audience shares a deep appreciation for storytelling, imagination, and immersive experiences. By channeling that enthusiasm into tangible aid, the community demonstrates its capacity to drive real‑world change.
"When we transform our love for virtual worlds into a force for lasting impact, we showcase just how powerful and influential the gaming culture can be," she said. The event’s timing is deliberately aligned with the Christmas period, a time when many families struggle to meet basic needs. Save Point aims to highlight that, for countless children, the most crucial gifts are not toys but essential deliveries that ensure survival and wellbeing. Baxter summed up the message: "Anything you can imagine being delivered to your doorstep with a tap of a screen can also be used to deliver life‑saving aid to children who need it most." To join Save Point, interested participants can register through the charity’s dedicated portal.
Once signed up, they will receive a comprehensive guide covering everything from technical setup and donation tracking to promotional strategies and community engagement. The guide also includes suggestions for integrating charitable messaging into gameplay commentary, ensuring that each stream not only entertains but also educates viewers about the challenges faced by children worldwide. In summary, Save the Children’s Save Point represents a pioneering step in the convergence of gaming, livestreaming, and philanthropy. By offering an inclusive, interactive platform for donors and creators alike, the charity hopes to forge lasting relationships within the gaming ecosystem, raise substantial funds for children in crisis, and set a new benchmark for how digital entertainment can be harnessed for social good.