This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, a two‑day event dubbed Save Point. The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, merges the excitement of video games with live streaming to generate donations for children in need. Fiona Baxter, the organization’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 reach gamers not just as occasional donors but as active partners in our mission,” Baxter explained. “Many people can’t commit to a marathon or a long‑distance bike ride, but a gaming marathon is far more accessible, allowing a wider range of supporters to contribute their time, skill and enthusiasm.” The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who earlier in the year raised over £5,000 for Save the Children through his own channel. This partnership exemplifies the growing trend of influencers leveraging their audiences for social good. Baxter emphasized that the collaboration is just the beginning: “Our goal is to cultivate lasting relationships with gamers and streamers long after Save Point ends.
If we can turn a single event into a pipeline of ongoing ambassadors, the impact will multiply year after year.” According to Baxter, success will be measured not only by the amount of money raised but also by the community built around the cause. “If we walk away with a new crew of supporters who feel inspired to game for us again, that’s a massive win. The feedback we collect will shape larger, more ambitious gaming fundraisers in the future.” She also highlighted the educational value of the venture. “This is our first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, so every comment, suggestion and data point is a learning opportunity.
We’ll use that insight to refine the format, improve the donor experience, and expand our reach in the gaming world.” Baxter described gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," noting that the gaming sector is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support. She pointed out that many gamers share a love of storytelling, imagination, and immersive worlds, which can be redirected toward real‑world impact.
"When we channel that passion into tangible change—whether it’s funding food, medicine or safe shelter—we demonstrate how powerful the gaming community truly is," she said. Save Point is a centerpiece of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026.
The campaign aims to shift public attention from traditional holiday gifts to the essential supplies children around the globe will need during the festive season—things like nutritious meals, medical care, warm clothing and secure sleeping arrangements. Baxter underscored the urgency: "For many children, the most important delivery this Christmas isn’t a toy; it’s the lifeline that protects their health and future." She added, "Just as you can order anything with a tap of a screen, we’re asking gamers to tap into their passion and help deliver those critical items to kids in crisis." The event will feature a variety of gaming activities, from marathon play‑throughs of popular titles to competitive tournaments and charity auctions of in‑game items. Streamers will encourage viewers to donate through integrated platforms, with real‑time donation trackers displayed on screen. Participants can also set up their own fundraising streams, leveraging personal networks to amplify contributions.
To join Save Point, interested individuals can register via the event’s website, where they will receive guidance on setting up a livestream, tips for engaging audiences, and resources to maximize fundraising potential. The platform will also provide promotional assets, such as custom overlays and donation alerts, to help streamers maintain a professional and compelling broadcast.
Beyond the immediate fundraising goals, Save Point seeks to foster a sense of community among gamers who share a commitment to humanitarian causes. By highlighting stories of children whose lives are directly improved by the donations, the event aims to create an emotional bridge between virtual adventures and real‑world outcomes.
This narrative approach reinforces the idea that every hour spent gaming can translate into tangible benefits for vulnerable children. In summary, Save the Children’s Save Point represents an innovative blend of entertainment and philanthropy, targeting a demographic that is often under‑utilized in traditional charity models.
By partnering with influential creators, offering accessible participation methods, and tying the event to a larger campaign focused on essential deliveries, the charity hopes to set a precedent for future gaming‑based fundraisers. The organization invites gamers, streamers, and supporters of all skill levels to log in, play, and make a difference this holiday season.