This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused and live‑streaming fundraiser, an event dubbed "Save Point." The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, is designed to tap into the enthusiasm of gamers and content creators, offering a new avenue for supporters to contribute to the charity’s mission. Fiona Baxter, the senior fundraising manager at Save the Children, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community. "Save Point was born out of a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community," she explained. "We wanted an event that would resonate with both partners and individual supporters, offering a format that feels more inclusive than traditional challenges like marathon runs." Baxter emphasized that the event’s accessibility is a key advantage.
"Not everyone can run a marathon, so an event like this is a lot more accessible and allows us to showcase what a different type of supporter can do," she said. By leveraging the interactive nature of video games and the reach of live streaming platforms, Save Point aims to attract participants who might not have previously considered charitable giving.
The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who already has a track record of supporting the organization, having raised over £5,000 earlier in the year. This partnership underscores the potential of influencer collaborations to amplify fundraising outcomes. Baxter expressed optimism about extending these relationships beyond the immediate event.
"It would be incredible to reach more people in this community with information about the work we do and why it’s important," she noted. "I will consider it a huge success if we walk away from this event with a new crew of supporters who might want to game for us again because of their experience with us." The inaugural nature of Save Point also presents a valuable learning curve for the charity. "There are also 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," Baxter added.
The insights gathered will inform future campaigns, potentially leading to larger-scale initiatives that blend entertainment with philanthropy. Baxter praised gamers and streamers as "unsung heroes of fundraising," highlighting how the gaming world is setting "a new, innovative standard" for charitable support. She pointed out the shared love of narrative, imagination, and escapism that unites gamers, noting that these qualities can be harnessed for tangible, real‑world impact. "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," she said. Save Point is a component of Save the Children’s broader campaign titled "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026. The campaign seeks to shift the focus of holiday gifting from material toys to essential supplies for children in need.
Baxter explained that millions of youngsters will be awaiting critical deliveries—such as food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—rather than traditional presents. "Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen," she remarked.
"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 event’s structure invites participants to register their interest, after which they receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream. By broadcasting their gameplay, streamers can encourage viewers to donate, creating a dynamic, interactive donation experience. This model not only raises funds but also educates audiences about the charity’s work, fostering a deeper connection between the gaming community and humanitarian causes.
Beyond the immediate financial goals, Save Point aims to cultivate a lasting network of gaming‑oriented advocates. The charity hopes that the exposure will inspire ongoing collaborations, with streamers and gamers continuing to champion Save the Children’s objectives long after the two‑day event concludes. Baxter envisions a future where gaming events become a staple in the nonprofit sector’s fundraising toolkit, offering a repeatable, scalable method to engage younger, digitally native donors.
In summary, Save Point represents an innovative fusion of entertainment and altruism, leveraging the passion and reach of the gaming world to address urgent child welfare needs during the holiday season. By providing an accessible platform for supporters, partnering with influential creators, and embedding the initiative within a larger campaign focused on essential deliveries, Save the Children is pioneering a fresh approach to charitable fundraising—one that could set a precedent for other organizations seeking to tap into the power of play for good.