This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its first ever gaming‑focused fundraiser, an event dubbed Save Point. The initiative merges the excitement of video games with live streaming, creating a novel way for supporters to contribute to the organization’s mission while enjoying their favorite pastime. Fiona Baxter, the senior fundraising manager at Save the Children, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community.
"We wanted a platform that would let us interact with gamers and streamers on a level that feels natural to them," Baxter explained. "Not everyone can sign up for a marathon or a long‑distance bike ride, so an event centered around gaming is far more inclusive and showcases the diverse ways people can champion our cause." The charity has teamed up with popular online content creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise more than £5,000 for Save the Children earlier this year. This partnership is intended to attract both established gaming influencers and everyday players who are eager to make a difference.
Baxter emphasized that the charity hopes to cultivate lasting relationships with gamers and streamers beyond the two‑day event. "If we can reach a broader audience within this community and convey the importance of the work we do, it would be a massive win," she said. "I’ll consider the event a triumph if we walk away with a new cohort of supporters who are inspired to game for us again because of the experience they had during Save Point." Because this is Save the Children’s first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the team is also looking forward to the learning curve it will provide. "The feedback we gather will be priceless," Baxter noted.
"It will help us refine and expand future gaming events, making them larger and more impactful year after year." Describing gamers and streamers as "the unsung heroes of fundraising," Baxter highlighted how the gaming world is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support. She pointed out that many gamers share a love for storytelling, imagination, and the escapism that interactive entertainment offers. By channeling that passion into real‑world change, the community can demonstrate just how powerful its collective influence can be.
Save Point is a key component of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026. The campaign aims to shift the focus of the holiday season from material gifts to essential supplies for children in need. Millions of youngsters will be awaiting vital deliveries—such as nutritious food, medicines, warm clothing, and safe shelter—rather than toys and sweets. "In the digital age, we can have almost anything delivered to our doorstep with a tap of a screen," Baxter observed.
"But for countless children this Christmas, the most urgent deliveries are those that safeguard their health and protect their childhoods." Save Point is scheduled to run on December 5 and 6, 2026. Participants can sign up by expressing their interest through the provided link, after which they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, tips for engaging viewers, and resources to maximize donations.
The event will feature a variety of gaming activities, ranging from marathon play sessions of popular titles to competitive tournaments and collaborative charity streams. Streamers are encouraged to incorporate donation goals, interactive challenges, and real‑time updates on how contributions are being allocated to support children worldwide. In addition to the live streams, Save Point will host virtual panels where experts discuss the intersection of gaming culture and philanthropy, offering insights into how the industry can continue to drive social good.
These discussions will explore topics such as inclusive game design, the role of esports in fundraising, and strategies for building sustainable partnerships between charities and gaming companies. By leveraging the reach of platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming, Save the Children hopes to tap into millions of potential donors who may not have previously engaged with traditional charitable campaigns. The interactive nature of streaming allows viewers to see the immediate impact of their contributions, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Baxter concluded by reaffirming the charity’s commitment to innovation in fundraising.
"We are thrilled to pioneer this new avenue of support," she said. "If we can turn a love for gaming into tangible, life‑saving aid for children, we are proving that play can be a powerful catalyst for positive change." For those interested in joining Save Point, registration details are available through the event’s official portal. Once registered, participants will receive a toolkit that includes branding assets, suggested donation milestones, and best‑practice guidelines for creating engaging, donation‑driven content. The charity encourages both seasoned streamers and newcomers to get involved, emphasizing that every contribution—whether large or small—helps bring essential supplies to children who need them most this holiday season.