This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused and live‑streaming fundraising campaign, branded Save Point. The initiative, slated for December 5‑6, 2026, merges the excitement of video games with the charitable spirit of the festive period, offering a novel way for supporters to contribute. Fiona Baxter, the charity’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the gaming community. “Save Point grew out of a genuine desire to engage more meaningfully with gamers and streamers,” she said.
“Not everyone can sign up for a marathon or a long‑distance bike ride, so an event like this provides a more accessible entry point for a diverse range of supporters.” By tapping into the interactive nature of gaming, Save the Children hopes to attract both partnership opportunities with established creators and individual donors who might prefer a digital avenue for giving. The charity has already secured a collaboration with popular online personality and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise over £5,000 for the organization earlier in the year. This partnership not only amplifies the reach of the fundraiser but also showcases how influencers can mobilise their audiences for social good. Baxter emphasized that the event is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to nurture relationships within the gaming sphere.
“It would be amazing to introduce more people in this community to the work we do and why it matters,” she explained. “I’ll consider the event a massive success if we walk away with a fresh crew of gamers and streamers who want to keep supporting us because of the experience they’ve had.” Because Save Point is a first‑time endeavor for the charity, Baxter also highlighted the learning potential embedded in the project.
“There are countless lessons to be drawn from this,” she noted. “The feedback we gather will be priceless and will help us design even larger, more impactful gaming events in the years to come.” Describing gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," Baxter pointed out that the gaming sector is beginning to set a new, innovative standard for charitable support. She explained, "Within the gaming community there’s a shared love of stories, imagination, and escaping into new worlds through play.
When we channel that passion into real‑world change, we demonstrate just how powerful and influential this community can be." This sentiment underscores the growing recognition that virtual entertainment can translate into tangible benefits for vulnerable populations. Save Point forms part of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026.
The campaign seeks to shift the focus of holiday gifting from material presents to essential supplies—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—that many children desperately need during the winter months. Baxter illustrated the contrast vividly: "Anything you can imagine being delivered with a tap of a screen could be a toy for you, but for millions of children this Christmas, it’s life‑saving provisions they’re waiting for." The event will run over two days, offering participants several ways to get involved. Gamers can register their interest through a dedicated portal, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, tips for engaging audiences, and resources to promote the cause effectively.
Streamers are encouraged to incorporate donation goals, interactive challenges, and collaborative gameplay to keep viewers invested. In addition to live gameplay, Save Point will feature special in‑game items, virtual badges, and exclusive content drops that donors can unlock as they contribute. These digital incentives aim to create a sense of achievement and community among participants, reinforcing the idea that every contribution—big or small—adds up to meaningful change. The charity also plans to spotlight stories from the field throughout the livestreams, giving viewers a direct line of sight into how their donations are being used.
By weaving real‑world narratives into the gaming experience, Save Point hopes to foster empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children in crisis‑affected regions. Looking ahead, Baxter expressed optimism that the success of Save Point could pave the way for a series of recurring gaming events, each building on the insights gained from the inaugural edition. "We see this as a stepping stone toward a sustainable partnership model with the gaming ecosystem," she said. "Our goal is to create a virtuous cycle where gamers feel empowered to make a difference, and we, in turn, can amplify our impact through their passion and reach." In summary, Save Point represents an innovative blend of entertainment and philanthropy, offering a fresh avenue for supporters to rally around a cause that matters deeply during the holiday season.
By leveraging the storytelling power of games and the expansive reach of live streaming, Save the Children aims to transform digital play into real‑world relief for millions of children awaiting essential deliveries this Christmas. Interested participants can sign up now to receive all the necessary information for launching their own fundraising livestreams and joining the movement toward a brighter, safer future for children worldwide.