This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused and live‑streaming fundraiser, an event branded “Save Point.” The initiative is designed to merge the excitement of video games with the power of charitable giving, creating a novel avenue for supporters to contribute while enjoying the worlds they love. 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.
“Save Point was born out of a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community,” she said. “We wanted a platform that would resonate with gamers and streamers alike, offering a way for them to support our mission in a format that feels natural to them.” Unlike traditional endurance challenges such as marathons, which can be physically demanding and exclude many potential donors, a gaming‑centric fundraiser is far more inclusive. “Not everyone can run a marathon, so an event like this is a lot more accessible and allows us to showcase what a different type of supporter can do,” Baxter explained.
By leveraging the interactive nature of games and the reach of live streaming, Save Point opens the door for anyone with a console, PC, or even a mobile device to take part, whether they are seasoned gamers or casual players. The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, a figure who already has a proven track record of supporting Save the Children. Earlier this year, TheKapFantastic raised over £5,000 for the organization through a dedicated stream, demonstrating the tangible impact that digital influencers can have.
Baxter emphasized that this partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to cultivate relationships with gamers and streamers beyond the event itself. “It would be incredible to reach more people in this community with information about the work we do and why it’s important,” she said. “I will consider it a huge success if we walk away from this event with a new crew of supporters who might want to game for us again because of their experience with us.” Because Save Point is a pilot project for the charity, the team is keen to treat it as a learning experience.
“There are also a lot of learning opportunities in this event. This is our first time doing this type of fundraiser, so the feedback we get will be invaluable and help us shape bigger and better gaming events year‑on‑year,” Baxter noted. The insights gathered will inform everything from technical logistics—such as optimal streaming platforms and donation integration—to creative elements like game selection, in‑stream challenges, and audience engagement tactics.
Baxter also highlighted the often‑overlooked role that gamers and streamers play in the fundraising ecosystem, calling them the “unsung heroes of fundraising.” She pointed out that the gaming space is rapidly establishing a new, innovative standard for charitable support. “There is an understanding among game‑lovers that we are a group of people who love stories, imagination and escaping to new worlds through the power of play,” she said. “By turning our love of gaming into a force for real‑world, lasting change, we’re demonstrating just how powerful and impactful the gaming community can be.” Save Point forms a key component of Save the Children’s broader campaign titled “The One Delivery That Matters,” slated to launch in November 2026. This campaign aims to shift public attention from traditional holiday gifts to the essential supplies that children in crisis need most.
Baxter explained that for many children, the most vital “deliveries” this Christmas will be food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—not toys or confectionery. “Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen,” she remarked, drawing a parallel between the convenience of online shopping and the urgent need for humanitarian aid. The event is scheduled to run over two days, from December 5 to December 6, 2026. Participants can sign up by registering their interest through the provided link, which will also supply guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, choosing a game, and promoting the stream to maximize donations.
The charity encourages a wide range of activities—from marathon gaming sessions and speed‑run challenges to collaborative multiplayer events—so that each streamer can tailor the experience to their audience while contributing to the cause. In addition to the live‑stream component, Save Point will feature interactive elements such as donation milestones that unlock in‑game rewards, viewer polls that influence gameplay decisions, and special guest appearances from well‑known developers and industry personalities. These features are intended to keep viewers engaged, encourage repeat donations, and foster a sense of community around the shared goal of supporting vulnerable children. Looking ahead, Baxter expressed optimism that the success of Save Point could pave the way for a series of similar initiatives, positioning gaming as a regular fundraising channel for Save the Children.
“If we can demonstrate the impact of this model, we hope to integrate gaming events into our annual calendar, creating sustainable partnerships with creators and building a loyal base of gaming‑focused supporters,” she said. The charity also plans to publish a post‑event report detailing the total funds raised, participant demographics, and lessons learned, ensuring transparency and accountability for all contributors.
In summary, Save Point represents an ambitious effort to blend entertainment with philanthropy, offering a fresh, accessible way for the gaming community to make a meaningful difference. By harnessing the enthusiasm of gamers, the reach of streamers, and the urgency of its humanitarian mission, Save the Children hopes to deliver life‑saving aid to millions of children who need it most this holiday season.