This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising campaign, a live‑streamed event titled Save Point. The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, merges the excitement of video games with the power of charitable giving, offering a novel way for supporters to contribute during the festive period. Fiona Baxter, the organisation’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that 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 and streamers on a level that feels natural to them," she explained.
"Not everyone can sign up for a marathon or a cycling challenge, but a gaming marathon is far more inclusive and can attract a diverse audience who might not otherwise engage with our work." The event will be anchored by popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who has previously helped the charity raise over £5,000 earlier in the year. Baxter emphasised that the partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to cultivate relationships with influencers in the gaming space.
"If we can introduce more people in this community to the impact of our programmes and why they matter, we’ll have built a sustainable pipeline of supporters who will continue to game for good," she said. Baxter also highlighted the learning curve involved in launching such a venture. "Because this is our first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the insights we gather—from viewer engagement metrics to donation patterns—will be crucial for refining future events. We aim to scale up and deliver even bigger, more immersive experiences year after year," she added.
According to Baxter, gamers and streamers are often the "unsung heroes of fundraising," bringing enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to experiment with new formats. She noted that the gaming world is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support, leveraging the sector’s unique blend of storytelling, imagination, and community interaction.
"When we translate a love of play into tangible, real‑world change, we showcase just how influential the gaming community can be," she said. Save Point is part of the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026. The campaign seeks to shift the focus of holiday giving from material gifts to essential supplies for children in crisis.
Baxter illustrated the contrast: "While many of us are thinking about the latest gadget or toy, millions of children are awaiting life‑saving deliveries—food, medicine, warm clothing, and a safe place to sleep." She further explained the symbolism behind the event’s name: "In gaming, a ‘save point’ is a moment where you pause, reflect, and plan your next move. For us, it’s a chance to pause the holiday rush, reflect on the needs of vulnerable children, and make a decisive move toward delivering help." The charity hopes that participants will not only raise funds but also spread awareness about the stark realities many children face during the winter months.
To join the event, individuals can register their interest through a dedicated portal, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, tips for engaging audiences, and resources to maximize donation potential. Participants are encouraged to personalize their streams with challenges, giveaways, and collaborations with other creators to amplify reach. The Save Point initiative also underscores a broader trend: charitable organisations increasingly turning to digital entertainment platforms to tap into younger, tech‑savvy demographics. By meeting supporters where they already spend time—on Twitch, YouTube, and other streaming services—charities can foster deeper, more authentic connections.
Baxter concluded with a hopeful vision: "If we walk away from this event with a new crew of gamers who feel inspired to support us again, we’ll have achieved a huge success. More importantly, we’ll have demonstrated that play can be a powerful catalyst for lasting, positive change in the lives of children who need it most."