This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its first ever gaming‑focused fundraiser, a two‑day livestream extravaganza called Save Point. The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, merges the excitement of video games with the power of charitable giving, inviting both seasoned gamers and casual players to contribute to a cause that affects millions of children worldwide. Fiona Baxter, the organization’s senior fundraising manager, 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.
“We wanted a platform where we could interact with gamers not just as donors, but as partners in a shared mission,” Baxter explained. “Traditional fundraisers like marathons are fantastic, but they aren’t accessible to everyone. A gaming event lowers the barrier to entry, allowing anyone with a console or a PC to take part and make a tangible impact.” The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise more than £5,000 for Save the Children earlier this year.
Baxter emphasized that this partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to cultivate relationships with influencers, developers, and everyday players. “If we can walk away from Save Point with a fresh cohort of supporters who are eager to game for us again, we’ll consider the event a massive success,” she said. “The feedback we gather will be invaluable for shaping even larger, more ambitious gaming fundraisers in the future.” Baxter described gamers and streamers as “the unsung heroes of fundraising,” noting that the gaming arena is beginning to set a new, innovative benchmark for charitable support. “There’s a common understanding among game‑lovers that we’re a community driven by stories, imagination, and the desire to explore new worlds,” she added.
“When we channel that passion toward real‑world change, we demonstrate just how potent and influential the gaming community can be.” Save Point is a cornerstone of Save the Children’s broader campaign, “The One Delivery That Matters,” which launches in November 2026. The campaign aims to shift the public’s focus from material gifts to essential supplies that children in crisis desperately need—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter highlighted the stark contrast between typical holiday shopping and the urgent deliveries that will truly save lives: “Anything you can order with a tap of a screen can be delivered to a doorstep, but for millions of children this Christmas, it isn’t toys they’re waiting for—it’s the basics that protect their health and future.” The event’s format will blend competitive gaming, charity auctions, and interactive donation milestones.
Participants can register their interest through a dedicated portal, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, choosing games that resonate with their audience, and promoting the cause across social media channels. Throughout the two‑day window, streamers will aim to hit fundraising targets that unlock special in‑game rewards, exclusive merchandise, or surprise guest appearances, creating a dynamic feedback loop that encourages viewers to donate.
Beyond the immediate financial contributions, Save Point is designed to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by children in conflict zones, areas hit by natural disasters, and regions plagued by extreme poverty. By weaving storytelling elements—such as short documentary clips, survivor testimonies, and live interviews with field workers—into the gaming streams, the charity hopes to educate the audience about why each donation matters. The initiative also opens doors for collaboration with game developers who might integrate charitable mechanics directly into their titles. Baxter hinted at future possibilities: “Imagine a game where a percentage of in‑game purchases automatically supports children in need, or a special edition skin whose sales go straight to our emergency fund.
Save Point is a proof of concept that such integrations can work and be celebrated by the community.” In preparation for the event, Save the Children has assembled a support team to assist participants with technical setup, compliance with platform policies, and best practices for engaging viewers. This ensures that even newcomers to streaming can feel confident and prepared, further democratizing the fundraising process.
The charity’s leadership views the gaming sector as a rapidly evolving ecosystem that can adapt quickly to new technologies and cultural trends. “From virtual reality to esports tournaments, the possibilities for innovative fundraising are virtually limitless,” Baxter remarked. “Our goal is to stay at the forefront of these developments, continually experimenting and learning so we can deliver ever‑more effective campaigns that resonate with younger audiences.” Save Point represents a significant step forward in how nonprofits can harness digital culture to drive social impact. By aligning the excitement of gaming with the urgency of delivering essential aid to children, Save the Children hopes to inspire a new generation of donors who see philanthropy as an integral part of their online experience.
The organization invites anyone interested—whether a seasoned streamer, a casual gamer, or a supporter eager to learn more—to sign up, spread the word, and join the movement that aims to turn play into purpose. To get involved, participants can register their interest via the official Save Point page, where they will receive detailed instructions on creating a fundraising livestream, promotional assets, and a timeline of event milestones. As the countdown to December 5 begins, the charity encourages the gaming community to rally together, proving that the power of play can indeed change lives, one donation at a time.