This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, a two‑day event branded Save Point, which will run from December 5 to December 6, 2026. The concept was conceived as a way to tap into the vibrant world of video games and live streaming, offering a novel avenue for supporters to contribute to the organization’s mission while doing something they love. Fiona Baxter, the charity’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the gaming community. “We wanted a platform that would let us interact with gamers and streamers not only as partners but also as individual donors,” Baxter said.
“Not everyone can commit to a marathon or a long‑distance bike ride, but a gaming marathon is far more accessible. It lets us demonstrate the impact that a different kind of supporter can have.” The event is being powered by a collaboration with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who has previously raised more than £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. Baxter emphasized that the partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to nurture relationships with influencers in the gaming space. “If we can reach more people in this community with information about what we do and why it matters, that would be a massive win,” she explained.
“I’ll consider the event a huge success if we walk away with a fresh crew of gamers who want to keep supporting us because of the positive experience they’ve had.” Because Save Point is a brand‑new format for the charity, Baxter highlighted the learning potential built into the project. “This is our first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, so the feedback we collect will be priceless.
It will help us refine and scale up future events, making each one bigger and better than the last.” In her remarks, Baxter praised gamers and streamers as “the unsung heroes of fundraising,” noting that the gaming industry is setting a “new, innovative standard” for charitable support. She pointed out that many gamers share a love of storytelling, imagination, and escapism, and that channeling that passion into real‑world impact showcases the community’s power. “When we turn our enthusiasm for games into a force for lasting change, we illustrate just how influential the gaming world can be,” she said.
Save Point forms part of the larger "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026. The campaign is designed to shift the focus of the holiday season from material gifts to essential supplies for children in need. Baxter explained that millions of youngsters will be awaiting critical deliveries—such as nutritious food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—rather than toys.
“Anything you can order online can be delivered to your door with a tap of a screen,” she noted. “But for many children this Christmas, it isn’t toys they’re hoping for; it’s life‑saving provisions that protect their childhoods.” Save Point will feature a series of livestreams, gaming marathons, and interactive challenges where participants can raise funds through viewer donations, subscription incentives, and sponsored play‑throughs. Streamers will have the option to set personal fundraising targets, and viewers will be encouraged to donate in real time, with progress bars displayed on screen to create a sense of shared momentum. The event will also include special guest appearances from well‑known game developers, esports athletes, and charitable ambassadors, all of whom will share stories about the children they aim to help.
To join the effort, individuals can register their interest via the Save the Children website. Once registered, participants will receive a toolkit containing guidelines on setting up a fundraising livestream, tips for engaging audiences, and branding assets such as overlays and donation alerts.
The toolkit also offers advice on how to integrate charitable messaging seamlessly into gameplay commentary, ensuring that the cause remains front‑and‑center throughout the broadcast. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point aims to foster a lasting community of gaming‑oriented philanthropists.
Baxter envisions a future where regular gaming events become a staple of the charity’s fundraising calendar, complementing traditional campaigns like marathons and gala dinners. By cultivating these relationships now, Save the Children hopes to create a pipeline of enthusiastic supporters who will champion the organization’s work long after the livestreams end. The charity anticipates that the combination of entertainment, community spirit, and a clear humanitarian purpose will resonate strongly with both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. As more people discover the ease of donating while they play, the organization expects to see a surge in micro‑donations that, when aggregated, can make a substantial difference for children facing hardship.
In summary, Save Point represents a strategic pivot for Save the Children, leveraging the growing influence of the gaming sector to mobilize a new generation of donors. By marrying the excitement of live gaming with a compelling humanitarian narrative, the charity hopes to deliver essential supplies to millions of children this Christmas, proving that even virtual adventures can have real‑world impact.