This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, a live‑streaming event dubbed "Save Point." The concept emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organisation’s connection with the worldwide gaming community, according to senior fundraising manager Fiona Baxter, who spoke to GamesIndustry.biz about the project. "Save Point was conceived out of a genuine desire to interact more closely with gamers and streamers," Baxter said.
"We recognised that not everyone can take part in a traditional marathon or a physical challenge, so a digital‑first event opens the door for a far wider audience. It allows us to showcase how supporters with different interests can still make a tangible impact for children in need." The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and Twitch personality TheKapFantastic, a streamer who previously helped raise over £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year.
Baxter emphasised that this partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to nurture relationships with influencers in the gaming space long after the two‑day event concludes. "Our goal is to reach more members of the gaming community with clear information about the work we do and why it matters," she explained.
"If, after the event, we have a fresh cohort of gamers who feel inspired to support us again—whether by streaming, donating, or simply spreading the word—that will be a massive win." Because Save Point is a brand‑new format for the charity, Baxter highlighted the learning potential embedded in the venture. "This is our first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, so the feedback we gather will be invaluable. It will help us refine the model and scale up even bigger, more engaging events in the years to come," she noted.
Baxter also praised gamers and streamers as "the unsung heroes of fundraising," observing that the gaming sector is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support. She described the community as one built around storytelling, imagination, and the desire to escape into new worlds through play. "When we channel that passion into real‑world change, we demonstrate just how powerful the gaming audience can be in driving lasting impact," she said. Save Point forms part of the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026.
The campaign aims to shift the holiday narrative for millions of children who, instead of receiving toys, will be awaiting essential supplies—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter—delivered during the festive period. Baxter underscored the stark contrast between typical consumer expectations and the urgent needs of vulnerable children.
"Anything you can think of can be ordered with a tap of a screen and delivered to your door," she remarked. "But for countless children this Christmas, the items they’re hoping for aren’t gadgets or sweets—they’re life‑saving deliveries that protect their health and their right to a safe childhood." The Save Point event is scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026. Participants will be able to sign up via a dedicated registration link, where they will receive guidance on setting up their own fundraising livestreams, choosing donation targets, and promoting the cause to their audiences. By merging the excitement of gaming with a clear humanitarian purpose, Save the Children hopes to create a replicable model that other charities can adopt, turning virtual play into concrete assistance for children worldwide.
In addition to the livestreams, the charity plans to incorporate interactive challenges, in‑game rewards, and community milestones that unlock additional donations from corporate sponsors. This gamified approach not only incentivises higher engagement but also mirrors the collaborative spirit that defines online gaming cultures. Baxter concluded with an optimistic outlook: "If we walk away from Save Point with a vibrant new network of gaming allies, equipped with the tools and motivation to keep supporting us, we’ll have set a precedent for how digital entertainment can be harnessed for good.
The lessons we learn here will shape the future of charitable fundraising, proving that play and purpose can go hand in hand." Overall, Save Point aims to blend the immersive world of video games with the urgent mission of delivering essential aid to children in crisis, turning every streamed hour into a potential lifeline for those who need it most.