This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, a live‑streamed event titled Save Point. The concept emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the gaming world, according to Fiona Baxter, the charity’s senior fundraising manager, who spoke with GamesIndustry.biz. Baxter explained that Save Point was "born from a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community." She highlighted that the event offers a dual‑track approach: it creates partnership opportunities with established creators while also inviting individual gamers to take part. "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," she said.
By leveraging the inclusive nature of video games and live streaming, the charity hopes to attract supporters who might not otherwise participate in traditional fundraising activities. The centerpiece of the campaign is a collaboration with popular online content creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise more than £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. This partnership serves as a proof of concept that influencers in the gaming sphere can mobilise their audiences for charitable causes.
Baxter emphasized that the organization intends to nurture these relationships well beyond the two‑day event, aiming to build a lasting network of gamers and streamers who can champion the charity’s mission over the long term. "It would be incredible to reach more people in this community with information about the work we do and why it's important," Baxter 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." She added that the event is also a learning laboratory for the charity.
"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 described gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising" and praised the gaming sector for "setting a new, innovative standard" in charitable support. She noted that many gamers share a love of narrative, imagination, and escapism, which can be redirected toward tangible, real‑world impact.
"There is an understanding between game‑lovers that we are a group of people who love stories, imagination and escaping to new worlds through the power of play. 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," she said. Save Point forms part of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," scheduled to launch in November 2026.
This campaign seeks to shift public attention from material gifts to essential supplies that children in crisis need during the festive season. Baxter explained that while many people associate December with toys and treats, millions of children are instead awaiting critical deliveries such as food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. "Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen," she observed. "But for millions of children this Christmas, it’s not toys or treats they’re waiting for – it's the deliveries that will save lives and protect childhoods." The Save Point event is slated for December 5‑6, 2026.
Participants can sign up through a dedicated registration portal, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, tips for engaging their audience, and resources to help maximize donations. The charity encourages both seasoned streamers and newcomers to join, emphasizing that every contribution—whether a modest donation from a single viewer or a large sum raised by a popular channel—adds to the collective impact. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point aims to foster a sense of community among gamers who share a common purpose: using their passion for play to support vulnerable children worldwide.
By integrating charitable messaging into the gaming experience, the event hopes to inspire lasting advocacy, encouraging participants to continue supporting Save the Children long after the livestream ends. In doing so, the organization envisions a future where gaming platforms regularly serve as hubs for social good, reinforcing the idea that entertainment and empathy can go hand‑in‑hand.
In summary, Save the Children’s inaugural Save Point event represents a strategic foray into the digital entertainment arena, leveraging the reach and engagement of gamers and streamers to address urgent humanitarian needs during the holiday season. Through partnerships, community building, and a focus on tangible outcomes, the charity seeks to set a benchmark for how the gaming industry can contribute meaningfully to global charitable efforts.