This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its debut gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, dubbed Save Point. The event, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, blends live streaming, video‑game play, and charitable giving into a single, accessible experience for supporters of all ages. 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 not just as occasional donors but as active participants in our mission," she explained.

"Many people can’t run a marathon or climb a mountain, but virtually anyone can pick up a controller or start a livestream, making this format far more inclusive." The event will be anchored by popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who earlier this year raised more than £5,000 for Save the Children during a separate campaign. By partnering with TheKapFantastic, the charity hopes to tap into his dedicated audience and demonstrate how digital entertainment can be harnessed for social good.

Baxter emphasised that Save Point is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to nurture relationships with gamers, influencers, and streaming platforms. "Our aim is to keep the conversation going after the two‑day event ends.

If we can educate more people about the challenges children face and show them how their gaming hobby can make a tangible difference, we’ll have built a sustainable base of supporters," she said. "Success, for us, means walking away with a new crew of gamers who want to collaborate with us again because they’ve had a positive experience." Because this is Save the Children’s first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the team anticipates a steep learning curve.

"We’ll be gathering feedback from participants, viewers, and partners to refine the format for future editions. Each insight will help us scale up and deliver even bigger, more impactful gaming events year after year," Baxter noted. Describing gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," Baxter highlighted that the gaming world is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable engagement.

She pointed out that gamers share a love of narrative, imagination, and immersion—qualities that can be redirected toward real‑world impact. "When we turn the joy of play into a catalyst for lasting change, we showcase just how powerful the gaming community can be," she added. Save Point forms part of the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026.

The campaign seeks to shift the holiday narrative from consumerist gift‑giving to the urgent needs of children who are awaiting essential supplies—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—during the festive season. "Anything you can order with a click can be delivered to a doorstep," Baxter remarked, "but for millions of children this Christmas, it isn’t toys they’re waiting for; it’s life‑saving deliveries that protect their childhoods." The two‑day event will feature a schedule of live streams where participants can play popular titles, host charity marathons, and interact with viewers who donate in real time.

Organisers are providing a simple registration portal where interested gamers can sign up, receive guidance on setting up a fundraising stream, and access promotional assets to share with their audiences. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point aims to raise awareness about the systemic issues that leave children vulnerable during the holidays.

By linking the act of gaming with concrete outcomes—such as a child receiving a warm coat or a family gaining access to essential medication—the charity hopes to create an emotional bridge that motivates ongoing support. The event also presents opportunities for sponsors and game developers to contribute. In‑game items, exclusive skins, or special challenges can be unlocked when donation milestones are reached, offering both a reward for donors and additional exposure for partners.

This model reflects a growing trend where entertainment platforms integrate philanthropy directly into user experiences. Looking ahead, Baxter envisions Save Point evolving into an annual fixture on the charity calendar, with each iteration expanding its reach, incorporating new games, and collaborating with a broader array of creators. "We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible when the gaming sector and the nonprofit world come together," she said.

"The feedback we collect this year will shape a future where gaming events become a cornerstone of our fundraising strategy, delivering both funds and awareness to the children who need them most." For those interested in joining the cause, registration is open now. Participants can sign up through the official Save Point portal, where they will receive resources on how to set up a livestream, promote their event, and track the impact of their donations.

By turning a pastime into a platform for generosity, Save the Children hopes to prove that the power of play can indeed change lives.