This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, a live‑streaming event branded "Save Point." The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, is designed to tap into the enthusiasm of gamers and online content creators, offering a fresh avenue for supporters to contribute to the organization’s mission. Fiona Baxter, the senior fundraising manager at Save the Children, told 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 that would let us interact with gamers not just as a one‑off partnership, but as an ongoing, inclusive relationship," Baxter explained. "Many people can’t commit to running a marathon or climbing a mountain, but a gaming marathon is far more accessible, allowing a different kind of supporter to make a tangible impact." The charity has teamed up with popular streamer TheKapFantastic, a creator who previously raised more than £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year.
Baxter emphasized that this collaboration is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to nurture relationships with both individual gamers and influential streamers. "If we can reach more members of this community and share the stories behind our work, we’ll be able to broaden our base of supporters," she said. "A successful outcome for us would be walking away with a new cohort of gamers who, after experiencing Save Point, want to continue partnering with us for future events." Because Save Point is a pilot project for the charity, Baxter highlighted the importance of learning from the experience. "The feedback we gather will be priceless.
It will help us refine our approach and scale up to even bigger, more sophisticated gaming fundraisers in the years to come," she noted. The charity sees gamers and streamers as "unsung heroes of fundraising," praising the sector for "setting a new, innovative standard" in charitable giving. According to Baxter, the gaming community shares a unique cultural DNA rooted in storytelling, imagination, and the desire to escape into new worlds. "When we channel that passion into real‑world change, we demonstrate just how powerful and impactful the gaming community can be," she said.
This sentiment underscores the charity’s belief that the love of play can be transformed into a force for lasting social good. Save Point forms part of the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026. The campaign aims to shift the focus of the holiday season from material gifts to essential deliveries for children in crisis.
Baxter explained, "Millions of children this Christmas will be waiting not for toys, but for food, medicine, warm clothing, and a safe place to sleep. Those are the deliveries that truly matter." She added that while modern technology allows almost anything to be ordered with a tap of a screen, for many vulnerable children the most critical "delivery" is one that safeguards their health and future.
The event itself will be streamed live, inviting participants to register their interest via a dedicated link. Once registered, individuals will receive guidance on setting up their own fundraising livestreams, creating a decentralized network of streams that collectively raise awareness and funds.
The charity hopes that the digital nature of the event will attract a global audience, transcending geographic boundaries and enabling supporters from all corners of the world to contribute. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point is intended to serve as a proof of concept for future collaborations between charitable organisations and the gaming industry.
By showcasing how a charitable cause can be woven into the fabric of a gaming marathon, Save the Children aims to inspire other NGOs to explore similar partnerships. Baxter believes that the success of Save Point could pave the way for a new genre of philanthropy, one where virtual achievements translate into real‑world impact. In summary, Save Point represents an innovative blend of entertainment and altruism. It offers a low‑barrier entry point for gamers who want to make a difference, leverages the reach of popular streamers, and aligns with a broader campaign that highlights the urgent needs of children during the festive season.
As the event approaches, Save the Children is eager to gather insights, build lasting relationships within the gaming community, and, most importantly, deliver vital supplies to children who need them most this Christmas.