This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, a live‑streamed event dubbed "Save Point." The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, is designed to tap into the enthusiasm of gamers and content creators, turning their passion for play into a powerful vehicle for humanitarian aid. Fiona Baxter, the organisation’s senior fundraising manager, told GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community. "We wanted a way to engage more directly with gamers, both through strategic partnerships and by inviting individual supporters to take part," Baxter explained. "Not everyone can commit to a marathon or a long‑distance bike ride, but a gaming marathon is far more accessible, allowing a wider range of people to contribute while still showcasing the impact that a different kind of supporter can make." To give the event a strong foothold in the online world, Save the Children has teamed up with popular streamer TheKapFantastic, a creator who previously raised over £5,000 for the charity earlier this year.
Baxter emphasised that the partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to cultivate relationships with gamers, influencers, and streaming platforms long after the inaugural event concludes. "If we can reach more members of this community with clear information about what we do and why it matters, we’ll have taken a big step forward," she said. "A true measure of success will be walking away with a fresh crew of supporters who are eager to game for us again because of the experience they’ve had." Because Save Point is a brand‑new format for the charity, Baxter highlighted the learning potential embedded in the event.
"This is our first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, so the feedback we gather will be priceless. It will help us refine the model and scale up even more ambitious gaming events in the years to come," she noted.
Baxter also praised gamers and streamers as "the unsung heroes of fundraising," pointing out that the gaming arena is beginning to set a "new, innovative standard" for charitable support. She described the gaming community as a group united by a love of stories, imagination, and the escapism that interactive media provides.
"When we channel that love of play into real‑world, lasting change, we demonstrate just how potent and impactful the gaming community can be," she added. Save Point forms part of the wider "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026. The campaign aims to shift public attention from the usual festive gifts to the essential supplies that many children desperately need during the holiday season—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter underscored the stark contrast between typical consumer deliveries and the life‑saving provisions required by vulnerable children.
"Anything you can imagine can be delivered to your doorstep with a tap on a screen," she said, "but for millions of children this Christmas, it’s not toys or treats they’re waiting for—it’s the deliveries that will safeguard their lives and preserve their childhoods." The two‑day Save Point event will feature a series of live streams, gaming challenges, and interactive fundraising milestones. Participants can sign up in advance, receive a toolkit for setting up their own fundraising livestream, and access promotional assets to share with their audiences.
Throughout the marathon, viewers will be able to donate directly via integrated platforms, with real‑time updates showing how contributions are translating into tangible aid for children in need. Beyond the immediate financial goals, the event seeks to foster a sense of community among gamers who share a common purpose. By creating a space where players can collaborate, compete, and celebrate milestones together, Save the Children hopes to build lasting relationships that extend beyond a single holiday campaign.
Baxter envisions a future where gaming events become a regular pillar of the charity’s fundraising portfolio, complementing traditional methods such as runs, galas, and direct appeals. In addition to the primary fundraising stream, Save Point will spotlight stories from the field, giving donors a vivid picture of how their contributions are being used. Short documentary clips, survivor testimonies, and on‑the‑ground footage will be interwoven into the livestream schedule, providing context and emotional resonance that reinforce the urgency of the mission. The charity is also exploring partnerships with game developers to incorporate charitable elements directly into gameplay.
Potential ideas include in‑game items whose purchase triggers a donation, or special events within popular titles that raise awareness for the campaign. While these concepts are still in the brainstorming phase, they illustrate the broader ambition to embed philanthropy into the fabric of gaming culture.
To join the movement, interested individuals can register their interest through the Save the Children website. Once registered, they will receive detailed instructions on how to set up a fundraising livestream, access branding materials, and connect with a support team that can help troubleshoot technical issues. The charity encourages participants of all skill levels—from casual players to professional e‑sports athletes—to take part, emphasizing that every minute of play and every dollar raised contributes to the overarching goal of delivering essential supplies to children in crisis.
In summary, Save Point represents an innovative blend of entertainment and altruism, leveraging the expansive reach of the gaming community to address urgent humanitarian needs. By inviting gamers to transform their hobby into a force for good, Save the Children hopes to set a precedent for future collaborations between the charitable sector and the rapidly evolving world of digital entertainment.
The event promises not only to raise vital funds but also to reshape perceptions of how modern fundraising can be conducted, proving that with creativity and community, even the most festive season can become a catalyst for meaningful change.