This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising campaign, dubbed Save Point. The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, merges the excitement of video games with the reach of live‑streaming platforms to generate support for children in need. Fiona Baxter, the organization’s senior fundraising manager, shared with 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 way to engage gamers and streamers in a manner that feels natural to them,” Baxter explained. “Not everyone can sign up for a marathon or a long‑distance bike ride, but a gaming marathon is far more inclusive and allows a different kind of supporter to make a tangible impact.” The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise more than £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. This partnership exemplifies the growing trend of influencers leveraging their audiences for social good. Baxter emphasized that the collaboration is just the beginning: “After Save Point, we hope to continue nurturing relationships with gamers, streamers, and their fans.
If we can introduce more people to the work we do and why it matters, the ripple effect could be huge.” According to Baxter, the ultimate measure of success will be the formation of a new community of supporters who are inspired to return for future gaming‑based fundraisers. “If we walk away with a crew of gamers who want to keep playing for our cause, that’s a win,” she said. “Their personal experience and enthusiasm are what will drive the momentum forward.” Because this is Save the Children’s first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the organization anticipates a steep learning curve. “The feedback we collect will be invaluable,” Baxter noted.
“It will help us refine the format, scale up the event, and deliver even bigger, more effective gaming charity experiences year after year.” Baxter also praised gamers and streamers as the “unsung heroes of fundraising,” observing that the gaming world is setting a novel, innovative standard for charitable support. She highlighted a shared cultural affinity among gamers: “We’re a community that loves stories, imagination, and escaping into new worlds through play. By channeling that passion into real‑world change, we demonstrate just how powerful and impactful the gaming audience can be.” 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 the narrative of Christmas gifting for millions of children who will be awaiting essential supplies—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—rather than toys.
Baxter underscored the stark contrast: “Anything you can order online and have delivered to your door with a click is a luxury for many families. For countless children this holiday, the ‘delivery’ they need is life‑saving assistance, not a present.” The event will run over two days, encouraging participants to register their interest and receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream. By broadcasting their gameplay, donors can watch, interact, and contribute in real time, turning every high score or boss battle into a potential donation.
The format mirrors the growing popularity of charity streams on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, where viewers often donate to see their favorite creators tackle challenges. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point aims to raise awareness about the broader issues affecting children worldwide. By tapping into the storytelling nature of games, the charity hopes to convey the urgency of providing basic necessities during the holiday season. The campaign’s messaging emphasizes that while a screen tap can order a new gadget for a consumer, the same technology can be harnessed to deliver food parcels, medical kits, and winter coats to vulnerable families.
In addition to TheKapFantastic, Save Point will feature a lineup of other creators, each bringing their unique audience and gaming style to the cause. The charity plans to showcase a variety of game genres—from competitive esports tournaments to cooperative adventure streams—to appeal to a wide spectrum of gamers. This diversity ensures that participants can choose a format that aligns with their interests while still contributing to the collective fundraising target. Looking ahead, Baxter expressed optimism that Save Point could become an annual tradition, evolving in scope and scale.
“If we can prove the model works, we’ll explore larger partnerships, perhaps even collaborating with game developers to integrate charitable elements directly into games,” she said. “The potential for the gaming sector to drive social impact is enormous, and we’re just scratching the surface.” Overall, Save Point represents a strategic blend of entertainment and philanthropy, offering a fresh avenue for supporters who might not engage with traditional charity events.
By leveraging the accessibility of gaming and the immediacy of live streaming, Save the Children hopes to mobilize a new generation of donors, turning pixels and playtime into tangible relief for children in need this Christmas and beyond.