This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, branded "Save Point." The new venture blends live streaming, interactive play and charitable giving into a single, accessible event that aims to attract both seasoned gamers and newcomers who want to support the organisation in a fresh way. Fiona Baxter, the charity’s senior fundraising manager, 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 where we could interact with gamers not just as donors but as partners," Baxter explained. "Traditional fundraisers like marathons are fantastic, but they’re not feasible for everyone.
A gaming‑based event lowers the barrier to entry, allowing a wider range of supporters to contribute in a format that feels natural to them." The event will be anchored by a collaboration with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped Save the Children raise more than £5,000 earlier in the year. Baxter emphasized that the partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to nurture relationships with influencers, content creators and their audiences.
"Our goal is to keep the dialogue open after Save Point ends. If we can introduce gamers to the impact of our work and show them why it matters, we’ll have cultivated a new cohort of advocates who will continue to champion our cause in future campaigns," she said. Baxter also highlighted the learning potential inherent in a first‑time venture of this nature.
"Because this is our inaugural gaming fundraiser, the insights we gather—from viewer engagement metrics to feedback from participants—will be instrumental in refining and scaling future events. We’re aiming for continuous improvement, turning each iteration into a bigger, more effective experience for both the charity and the gaming community," she added. Describing gamers and streamers as "the unsung heroes of fundraising," Baxter noted that the gaming sector is forging a novel, innovative standard for charitable support. She pointed out that many gamers share a love for storytelling, imagination and escapism, values that can be harnessed for real‑world impact.
"When we channel that passion into tangible change—whether it’s funding emergency nutrition packs, medical supplies or safe shelters—we demonstrate the profound influence the gaming world can wield," she said. Save Point is a key component of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026. The campaign seeks to shift public attention from traditional holiday gifts to the essential items that millions of children will need during the festive season—food, medicine, warm clothing and secure sleeping arrangements.
"In the digital age, you can order almost anything with a tap on a screen," Baxter observed. "For many children this Christmas, however, the most critical deliveries aren’t toys but life‑saving provisions that protect their health and future." The two‑day event is scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026. Participants can sign up through a dedicated registration portal, where they will receive guidance on setting up their own fundraising livestreams, tips for engaging audiences, and resources to maximize donation flow.
The format encourages both solo streamers and collaborative groups to host gameplay sessions, challenges, and interactive giveaways, all while promoting the charity’s mission and encouraging viewers to donate. By merging entertainment with philanthropy, Save Point aims to illustrate how digital platforms can serve as powerful conduits for social good. The charity hopes that the event will not only generate immediate financial support but also foster a lasting community of gamers who view charitable giving as an integral part of their online experience.
As Baxter concluded, "If we walk away from Save Point with a vibrant network of supporters who are eager to game for us again, we’ll consider the event a resounding success." In addition to direct fundraising, the event will feature educational segments that spotlight the specific challenges children face worldwide during the winter months. Experts from Save the Children will provide updates on how donations are allocated, offering transparency and reinforcing the tangible outcomes of each contribution. This blend of gameplay, storytelling, and real‑time impact reporting is designed to keep audiences informed and motivated throughout the livestream. Overall, Save Point represents a pioneering step for Save the Children, positioning the charity at the forefront of innovative fundraising in the digital era.
By tapping into the enthusiasm and reach of the gaming community, the organization aims to deliver critical aid to children in need, proving that a love of games can translate into a love of humanity.