This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, a two‑day event branded "Save Point," which will run from December 5 to December 6, 2026. The concept emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the worldwide gaming community, a demographic that has shown an increasing appetite for charitable involvement.
Fiona Baxter, the senior fundraising manager at Save the Children, told GamesIndustry.biz that the idea for Save Point was "born from a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community." She emphasized that the event is designed to be inclusive and accessible, offering an alternative to traditional physical challenges such as marathon runs. "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.
The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise more than £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. This partnership underscores the growing trend of influencers leveraging their platforms for social good.
Baxter added that Save the Children hopes to nurture these relationships long after the event concludes, aiming to build a sustainable network of gamers and streamers who can champion the cause on an ongoing basis. "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 this is Save the Children’s first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the organization anticipates a steep learning curve.
"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 future campaigns, potentially expanding the scale and scope of charitable gaming initiatives. Baxter described gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," highlighting how the gaming sector is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support.
She pointed out that many gamers share a love for storytelling, imagination, and the escapism that video games provide. By channeling that passion into tangible aid, the community can demonstrate its capacity to drive real‑world change. "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," Baxter said.
Save Point is a key component of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026. The campaign seeks to shift public attention from traditional holiday gifts to the essential supplies that many children will need this Christmas—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter emphasized the stark contrast between typical consumer expectations and the urgent needs of vulnerable children. "Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen," she remarked.
"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." Participants in Save Point can sign up through a dedicated registration page, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, tips for engaging audiences, and resources to maximize donation totals. The event encourages both individual gamers and larger streaming teams to host marathon gaming sessions, charity tournaments, and interactive challenges, all streamed live to a global audience.
Viewers are invited to donate directly through integrated platforms, with real‑time donation tallies displayed on screen to motivate further contributions. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point aims to foster a sense of community among participants.
By sharing stories of the children they are helping, streamers can create emotional connections that inspire continued support long after the two‑day window closes. The event also plans to feature guest appearances from game developers, industry leaders, and ambassadors who will discuss the intersection of gaming culture and philanthropy. In addition to monetary contributions, Save Point will raise awareness about the logistical challenges of delivering essential aid during the holiday season.
The campaign’s messaging underscores that while digital purchases are effortless, many children lack basic necessities. By aligning the ease of online gaming with the urgency of humanitarian aid, Save the Children hopes to convert casual viewers into committed advocates. The charity anticipates that the combined reach of streaming platforms, social media, and the existing fanbase of TheKapFantastic will generate significant visibility for the cause.
Early projections suggest that the event could surpass previous online fundraising efforts, setting a benchmark for future collaborations between NGOs and the gaming industry. Overall, Save Point represents a strategic pivot for Save the Children, embracing contemporary digital culture to amplify its mission. By tapping into the enthusiasm, creativity, and generosity of the gaming community, the organization aims not only to raise funds but also to reshape how charitable giving is perceived in the digital age.
The success of this inaugural event could pave the way for a new era of interactive, entertainment‑driven philanthropy, where players worldwide unite to deliver life‑saving resources to children in need. To join the movement, interested participants can register their interest via the official Save Point page, where they will receive detailed instructions on how to set up their fundraising livestream and begin their journey toward making a meaningful impact this Christmas.