This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused and live‑streaming fundraiser, an event they have christened "Save Point." The concept emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the world of video games, a sector that continues to grow in cultural and economic influence. Fiona Baxter, the senior fundraising manager at Save the Children, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the idea for Save Point was sparked by a desire to reach out more effectively to gamers, both through strategic partnerships and by inviting individual supporters to take part.
"Not everyone has the stamina or time to complete a marathon," Baxter explained, "so creating an event that is more accessible—yet still impactful—allows us to showcase how a different kind of participant can make a real difference." By leveraging the interactive nature of gaming and the expansive reach of live streaming platforms, the charity hopes to tap into a community that is passionate, engaged, and eager to contribute to social good. The charity has teamed up with well‑known online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise over £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. This collaboration marks the beginning of what Baxter hopes will become a lasting relationship with influencers in the gaming space. "It would be incredible to reach more people in this community with information about the work we do and why it matters," she said.
"I’ll consider the event a massive success if we walk away with a new crew of supporters who want to game for us again because of the experience they’ve had." Baxter also highlighted the learning curve associated with pioneering this type of fundraiser. "There are a lot of learning opportunities in this event. This is our first time doing this kind of fundraiser, so the feedback we receive will be invaluable and will help us shape bigger and better gaming events year after year," she noted. The charity plans to analyze viewer metrics, donation patterns, and participant feedback to refine future initiatives, ensuring that each successive campaign builds on the last.
In her remarks, Baxter described gamers and streamers as "the unsung heroes of fundraising," emphasizing that the gaming industry 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 comes from immersing oneself in virtual worlds.
By channeling that enthusiasm toward tangible, real‑world impact, the sector can demonstrate its capacity for meaningful change. "There is an understanding among game‑lovers that we are a group of people who love stories, imagination and escaping to new worlds through the power of play. By turning our love of gaming into a force for real‑world, lasting change, we're demonstrating just how powerful and impactful the gaming community can be," Baxter said. Save Point is a key component of Save the Children’s broader campaign titled "The One Delivery That Matters," slated to launch in November 2026.
The campaign seeks to shift public attention from the traditional image of Christmas presents to the urgent necessities that many children around the globe will be awaiting this season—items such as nutritious food, essential medicines, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter underscored the stark contrast between the consumer‑driven holiday narrative and the reality for millions of children: "Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen. But for millions of children this Christmas, it’s not toys or treats they’re waiting for – it's the deliveries that will save lives and protect childhoods." The Save Point event is scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026. During these two days, participants can join live streams, compete in gaming challenges, and encourage their audiences to donate directly to Save the Children’s emergency relief efforts.
The charity has set up a simple registration portal where interested gamers and streamers can sign up, receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, and access promotional assets to help spread the word. By providing clear instructions and technical support, Save the Children aims to lower barriers to entry, ensuring that even those new to streaming can contribute effectively. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point is designed to foster a sense of community among participants.
The event will feature interactive leaderboards, shout‑outs to top donors, and collaborative multiplayer sessions that encourage viewers to rally behind a common cause. By integrating charitable messaging into the fabric of the gaming experience, the organization hopes to create lasting awareness about the challenges faced by children in conflict zones, areas affected by natural disasters, and regions suffering from chronic poverty. Looking ahead, Baxter expressed optimism that the success of Save Point could pave the way for a series of gaming‑centric campaigns throughout the year. "We see this as just the beginning," she said.
"If we can demonstrate that a two‑day streaming marathon can generate significant support, we’ll explore seasonal events, e‑sports tournaments, and even in‑game charity skins that allocate a portion of sales to our programs. The possibilities are endless, and the gaming community is ready to answer the call." In summary, Save the Children’s inaugural Save Point fundraiser represents a bold step into the digital fundraising arena, marrying the excitement of video games with the urgency of humanitarian aid. By partnering with influential creators, offering an accessible platform for donors, and positioning the gaming community as a catalyst for change, the charity aims to rewrite the narrative of holiday giving—shifting the focus from material gifts to life‑saving deliveries for children who need them most.
If you are interested in taking part, you can register your interest through the official Save Point sign‑up page, where you will receive detailed instructions on how to set up your own fundraising livestream and join the movement to deliver hope this Christmas.