This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, branded "Save Point." The event, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, will combine live‑streamed gameplay with charitable giving, inviting gamers, streamers, and supporters from around the globe to rally around a common cause. Fiona Baxter, the organisation’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point grew out of a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community. "We wanted a way to reach people who might not be able to take part in a traditional marathon or a physical challenge," Baxter explained. "A gaming‑based fundraiser is far more accessible, and it showcases how a different kind of supporter can make a real impact." The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who earlier in the year helped raise more than £5,000 for Save the Children through his own channel.
This partnership is intended to serve as a template for future collaborations with influencers who have passionate, engaged audiences. Baxter emphasised that the event is only the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to nurture relationships with gamers and content creators. "If we can introduce more people in this space to the work we do and why it matters, we’ll have built a new cohort of advocates," she said. "Success for us will look like a growing crew of gamers who want to keep supporting us because they’ve had a positive experience and see the tangible difference their streams can make." Because Save Point is a brand‑new format for the charity, Baxter highlighted the learning potential embedded in the initiative.
"We’re gathering feedback in real time, which will be invaluable as we refine and expand our gaming‑focused fundraisers in the years to come," she noted. "Each insight helps us design larger, more ambitious events that can generate even greater support for children in need." Describing the role of gamers and streamers, Baxter called them "the unsung heroes of fundraising," pointing out that the gaming world is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable engagement. She elaborated on this sentiment, saying, "Gamers are storytellers at heart.
We love immersive narratives, creative problem‑solving, and escaping into new realms. When we channel that passion toward real‑world change, we demonstrate just how powerful and impactful the gaming community can be." Save Point forms part of the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026.
The campaign aims to shift public attention from traditional holiday gifts to the essential supplies that many children will be awaiting this Christmas—food, medication, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter underscored the urgency of this message: "Anything you can order online can be delivered to your doorstep with a tap, but for millions of children this season, it isn’t toys they’re hoping for; it’s life‑saving deliveries that protect their childhoods." The two‑day event will feature a schedule of live streams, competitive gaming sessions, and interactive challenges, all designed to encourage viewers to donate directly through integrated fundraising tools.
Participants can sign up in advance, receive guidance on setting up their own livestreams, and access promotional assets to help spread the word. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point is intended to serve as a catalyst for ongoing collaboration between the nonprofit sector and the digital entertainment industry. By showcasing how a shared love of play can translate into tangible humanitarian aid, the charity hopes to inspire other organisations to explore similar avenues. In practical terms, anyone interested in taking part can register via the Save the Children website.
Once signed up, volunteers will receive a toolkit that includes branding guidelines, donation links, and tips for engaging an audience effectively. The charity also plans to feature a leaderboard highlighting top‑earning streamers, fostering a friendly sense of competition while amplifying total contributions.
Looking ahead, Baxter envisions a future where gaming‑based philanthropy becomes a staple of charitable calendars, complementing more traditional events. "We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible," she said. "If this inaugural Save Point proves successful, we’ll have a solid foundation to build larger, more diverse gaming events that continue to bring critical resources to children who need them most." In summary, Save Point represents a pioneering effort to merge the vibrant world of video games with the urgent mission of delivering essential aid to vulnerable children during the holiday season. By leveraging the reach of popular streamers, the enthusiasm of everyday gamers, and the convenience of digital donation platforms, Save the Children aims to turn screen time into life‑changing support for millions of youngsters worldwide.