This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, a live‑streamed event branded "Save Point." The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, merges the excitement of video games with the spirit of giving, aiming to rally both seasoned gamers and newcomers around the cause of helping children in need. Fiona Baxter, the organisation’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 to create a platform where gamers could contribute in a way that feels natural to them," she said.
"Not everyone can run a marathon or climb a mountain, but everyone can pick up a controller or start a livestream. Save Point gives us a more inclusive avenue to involve supporters who might not otherwise engage with traditional fundraising formats." The event will feature a partnership with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who has previously demonstrated his commitment to the charity by raising over £5,000 earlier this year. His involvement underscores the growing trend of influencers leveraging their platforms for social impact. Baxter emphasised that the collaboration is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to nurture relationships with gamers, streamers, and their audiences.
"Our goal is to reach as many people as possible within this vibrant community and educate them about the vital work we do," Baxter explained. "If, after the event, we have a fresh cohort of gamers who feel inspired to continue supporting us—whether through future streams, donations, or advocacy—that will be a massive win." Because Save Point is a pilot project for Save the Children, the team is keen to gather insights that will shape future gaming‑centric fundraisers. "We anticipate a steep learning curve," Baxter admitted. "The feedback we collect—from technical logistics to audience engagement—will be priceless.
It will help us refine the format and scale up more ambitious events in the years to come." Baxter also highlighted the often‑overlooked role that gamers and streamers play in the charitable ecosystem, describing them as "unsung heroes of fundraising." She noted that the gaming world is pioneering a new, innovative standard for philanthropy, one that blends entertainment with empathy. "Gamers are storytellers at heart," she said. "We love immersive narratives, imaginative worlds, and the sense of escape that games provide. When we channel that passion toward real‑world change, we showcase just how powerful and impactful the gaming community can be." Save Point is part of the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026.
This campaign seeks to shift the focus of the holiday season from material gifts to essential deliveries for children who lack basic necessities. Baxter painted a vivid picture of the contrast: "Imagine being able to order anything with a click—yet for millions of children this Christmas, the items they need most aren't toys or sweets, but food, medicine, warm clothing, and a safe place to sleep." The charity stresses that the stakes are high: millions of children will be awaiting critical supplies rather than presents.
By aligning the event with this narrative, Save Point aims to convert the energy of gaming into tangible aid. "Every minute spent streaming, every chat message, every donation, translates into a life‑saving delivery," Baxter said. "We’re turning play into purpose." Participants can join Save Point by registering their interest through the provided link.
Once signed up, they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, tips for engaging viewers, and best practices for maximizing donations. The charity encourages both solo streamers and collaborative groups to take part, emphasizing that the collective effort can amplify impact.
In addition to the live streams, Save Point will feature interactive challenges, in‑game milestones, and exclusive rewards for donors. These elements are designed to keep audiences invested and to celebrate contributions in real time.
Baxter hopes that the blend of competition, community, and compassion will create a memorable experience that participants will want to revisit year after year. Looking ahead, the Save the Children team envisions a series of gaming events that grow in scale and sophistication.
"If this inaugural Save Point proves successful, we’ll explore partnerships with game developers, e‑sports tournaments, and even virtual reality experiences," Baxter revealed. "The possibilities are endless, and the potential to mobilise millions of gamers for good is truly exciting." In summary, Save Point represents a pioneering effort to harness the enthusiasm and reach of the gaming sector for humanitarian aid.
By offering an accessible, engaging, and meaningful way for gamers to contribute, Save the Children hopes to set a precedent for future charitable initiatives within the digital entertainment space. The event promises not only to raise vital funds but also to forge lasting connections between the charity and a community eager to make a difference through the power of play.