This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, a live‑streamed event dubbed Save Point. The concept was conceived out of a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the worldwide gaming community, according to Fiona Baxter, the charity’s senior fundraising manager, who spoke to GamesIndustry.biz. Baxter explains that Save Point is designed to open new pathways for engagement, both through formal partnerships with influential creators and through the participation of individual supporters who might not be able to take part in traditional endurance challenges like marathons. "Not everyone can run a marathon, so an event like this is far more accessible and lets us illustrate what a different type of supporter can achieve," she says.
By leveraging the interactive nature of video games and the reach of live streaming platforms, the charity hopes to attract a demographic that values digital interaction and community‑driven experiences. To anchor the event, Save the Children has teamed up with popular online content creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped the charity raise more than £5,000 earlier in the year. This partnership serves as a proof‑of‑concept that influencers with dedicated followings can mobilise their audiences for social good.
Baxter emphasizes that the organization is eager to nurture ongoing relationships with gamers, streamers, and their fans beyond the two‑day window of the fundraiser. "It would be incredible to reach more people in this community with information about the work we do and why it matters," she notes. "I’ll consider it a huge success if we walk away from this event with a fresh crew of supporters who might want to game for us again because of their experience with us." Because Save Point is a brand‑new format for the charity, Baxter also highlights the learning potential embedded in the initiative. "There are 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," she says. The data gathered—from viewer engagement metrics to donation patterns—will inform future campaigns and help refine the charity’s digital outreach strategy. Baxter describes gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," pointing out that the gaming ecosystem is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support. She elaborates that many gamers share a deep appreciation for storytelling, imagination, and the escapism that interactive media provide.
By channeling that passion into tangible, real‑world impact, the community demonstrates its capacity to drive lasting change. "There is an understanding among 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," Baxter asserts. Save Point forms part of the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026.
The campaign seeks to shift public attention from the typical holiday gift‑giving narrative to the urgent needs of children who, during the festive season, are awaiting essential supplies rather than presents. These supplies include food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—basic necessities that can be the difference between life and death for vulnerable youngsters. Baxter underscores this point by drawing a parallel between the convenience of modern e‑commerce and the stark reality faced by millions of children.
"Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen," she says. "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." The Save Point event is scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026. During this 48‑hour window, participants will be able to register their interest, set up their own fundraising livestreams, and encourage viewers to donate directly through integrated platforms. The charity will provide resources and guidance on how to optimise streams for maximum engagement, including tips on audience interaction, donation incentives, and technical setup.
In addition to the primary fundraising goal, Save Point aims to cultivate a sense of community among participants. By sharing stories of impact, showcasing donor milestones, and highlighting the tangible outcomes of contributions—such as the number of meals provided or blankets distributed—the event aspires to create an emotional connection that extends beyond the screen.
This storytelling approach aligns with the broader campaign’s emphasis on narrative, reinforcing the idea that every donation is part of a larger, life‑changing story. Looking ahead, Baxter envisions Save Point as the foundation for an annual series of gaming‑centric charity events.
She hopes that the insights gained will enable Save the Children to scale up its digital fundraising efforts, collaborate with a wider array of creators, and perhaps even develop bespoke in‑game experiences that embed charitable mechanics directly into popular titles. For anyone interested in taking part, registration is now open via the Save the Children website. Once signed up, participants will receive detailed instructions on how to set up a livestream, integrate donation widgets, and promote their event across social media channels.
The charity also promises to feature standout streams on its official channels, offering additional exposure for creators who go above and beyond. In summary, Save Point represents a pioneering step for Save the Children, marrying the immersive world of gaming with the urgent humanitarian mission of delivering essential aid to children in need. By tapping into the creativity, enthusiasm, and generosity of the gaming community, the charity hopes to not only raise vital funds but also to reshape how charitable giving is perceived and practiced in the digital age.