This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, a two‑day event branded "Save Point" that will blend video‑game play with live streaming to raise money for children in need. The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, represents a strategic push by the organization to tap into the vibrant world of gamers and content creators, offering an alternative to traditional charity challenges such as marathons or walks. Fiona Baxter, Save the Children’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 way to engage people who might not be able to run a marathon or climb a mountain, but who still want to make a tangible impact,” Baxter explained.
“Gaming is incredibly inclusive – anyone with a console, a PC, or even a mobile device can join, and that accessibility opens the door to a whole new pool of supporters.” The event will be anchored by a partnership with popular online creator and streamer known as TheKapFantastic, who has already demonstrated his fundraising potential by generating more than £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. Baxter emphasized that collaborations like this are just the beginning. “Our goal is to build lasting relationships with gamers, streamers, and their audiences. If we can turn a single livestream into a long‑term partnership, the ripple effect could be massive,” she said.
“We envision a future where the gaming community routinely rallies behind our campaigns, turning playtime into a force for good.” Save Point is designed to be both a fundraiser and a learning laboratory. As the charity’s first foray into this format, the team is eager to collect feedback that will inform larger, more ambitious gaming events in the years to come. “Every comment, every data point, every viewer interaction will help us refine the model,” Baxter noted. “We want to make sure each subsequent event is bigger, better, and more impactful than the last.” Baxter also highlighted the role of gamers and streamers as what she calls the "unsung heroes of fundraising." She believes the gaming sector is setting a "new, innovative standard" for charitable work, thanks to its blend of storytelling, imagination, and community engagement.
"Gamers love immersive narratives and the chance to escape into new worlds," she said. "When we channel that passion toward real‑world change, we showcase just how powerful that community can be when it unites around a common cause." Save Point is a cornerstone 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 holiday gift‑giving to the essential supplies that many children will be awaiting this Christmas—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter underscored the stark contrast between typical holiday expectations and the urgent needs of vulnerable children.
"For most of us, a click of a button can order a toy or a treat, but for millions of kids this season, the most critical deliveries are those that keep them alive and protect their childhoods," she said. The logistics of Save Point are straightforward for participants. Interested individuals can sign up through a dedicated registration page, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, selecting donation platforms, and promoting their stream to friends, followers, and wider gaming networks. The charity will provide promotional assets, tips for audience engagement, and real‑time donation trackers to keep momentum high throughout the two‑day window.
Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point seeks to educate viewers about the broader work of Save the Children. By integrating short informational segments, donor stories, and live Q&A sessions with field staff, the event will give gamers a deeper understanding of why their contributions matter. Baxter believes this educational component is essential for converting one‑time donors into long‑term advocates. "If we can show gamers the impact of their streams—how a donation translates into a meal, a vaccine, or a safe place to sleep—that emotional connection will inspire continued support," she said.
The event also embraces the interactive nature of gaming culture. Viewers will be encouraged to set challenges for the streamer—such as completing a difficult level, achieving a high score, or unlocking a special in‑game item—in exchange for donation milestones. This gamified fundraising approach not only makes the experience entertaining but also creates a clear, visual representation of progress toward the charitable target. Looking ahead, Baxter envisions Save Point as the first chapter in a series of gaming‑centric initiatives.
She hinted at possibilities such as charity e‑sports tournaments, collaborative in‑game charity items, and partnerships with major game developers to embed donation mechanics directly into popular titles. "The potential is enormous," she said. "We’re just scratching the surface of what the gaming ecosystem can offer to the nonprofit sector." In summary, Save Point represents a pioneering effort by Save the Children to harness the enthusiasm, reach, and creativity of the gaming community for a humanitarian cause.
By offering an accessible, entertaining, and impactful way for gamers to give back, the charity hopes to forge a new standard for digital‑age philanthropy—one where play and purpose go hand in hand. To join the movement, interested participants should register their interest via the provided link, where they will receive all necessary details to launch their own fundraising livestream and become part of this groundbreaking charitable adventure.