This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, a two‑day event titled Save Point, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026. The concept emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organisation’s connection with the gaming community, a demographic that has shown remarkable enthusiasm for charitable causes in recent years.
Fiona Baxter, Save the Children’s senior fundraising manager, told GamesIndustry.biz that the idea for Save Point was "born from a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community." She explained that traditional fundraising activities such as marathons or walk‑a‑thons, while effective, can exclude people who are unable or unwilling to participate in physically demanding events. "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 said. By leveraging the interactive and social nature of video games and live streaming, the charity hopes to open a new pathway for supporters to contribute time, skill, and enthusiasm.
The event will be anchored by a partnership with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise more than £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. Baxter highlighted the importance of building lasting relationships with gamers and content creators beyond the immediate fundraising window.
"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." Save Point is not only a fundraiser but 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 noted.
The insights gathered—from viewer engagement metrics to donation patterns—will inform future campaigns that blend entertainment with philanthropy. Baxter described gamers and streamers as "unsung heroes of fundraising" and praised the gaming sector for "setting a new, innovative standard" in charitable support. She elaborated on the cultural traits that make gamers uniquely positioned to drive social impact: "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.
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 part of the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026. The campaign aims to shift public attention from the usual holiday gifting narrative to the stark reality that millions of children will be awaiting essential supplies—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—rather than toys and sweets.
Baxter emphasized this contrast, saying, "Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen. 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 mechanics of Save Point are straightforward yet engaging. Participants can sign up through a dedicated registration portal, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, choosing a game to play, and promoting their stream to friends, followers, and the wider gaming audience.
Throughout the two‑day window, streamers will encourage viewers to donate directly to Save the Children, with progress bars, milestones, and interactive challenges designed to keep the momentum high. In addition to direct monetary contributions, the event will feature in‑game incentives, such as exclusive skins or digital badges, that players can unlock by reaching collective donation targets.
Beyond the immediate financial goal, Save Point seeks to educate the gaming community about the charity’s year‑round work—emergency response, education programs, and child protection initiatives—by integrating informational segments into the livestreams. Guest appearances from Save the Children field workers, testimonials from families who have benefited from the organisation’s aid, and behind‑the‑scenes looks at how donations are turned into life‑saving deliveries will provide depth and context, turning a simple donation act into a meaningful learning experience. The event also aims to foster a sense of belonging among participants. By creating a shared virtual space where gamers can cheer each other on, share strategies, and celebrate milestones together, Save Point hopes to build a community of repeat supporters who view charitable gaming as a regular part of their online routine rather than a one‑off novelty.
Overall, Save Point represents a strategic pivot for Save the Children, aligning its fundraising approach with contemporary digital culture while staying true to its core mission of delivering vital aid to children in need. If successful, the initiative could set a precedent for other NGOs to explore similar collaborations with the gaming industry, further cementing the sector’s role as a catalyst for social good. To join the movement, interested individuals can register their interest via the provided link, after which they will receive detailed instructions on how to set up their fundraising livestream and start playing for a cause that matters.