This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused and live‑streaming fundraising event, aptly named Save Point. The initiative marks a significant step for the organization as it taps into the vibrant world of video games and online streaming to rally support for children in need. Fiona Baxter, the senior fundraising manager at Save the Children, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community. "Save Point was born out of a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community," she explained.

"We wanted to create an avenue where gamers, streamers, and their audiences could contribute in a way that feels natural to them." Unlike traditional charity events such as marathons or galas, which can demand significant physical preparation or financial outlay, Save Point offers a more inclusive platform. "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 noted. By leveraging the interactive nature of games and the reach of live streaming, the charity hopes to attract a diverse group of participants—ranging from casual players to professional e‑sports athletes—who can raise funds while doing something they love. To give the event a strong start, Save the Children has partnered with popular online content creator and streamer TheKapFantastic.

TheKapFantastic has a proven track record of supporting the charity, having raised over £5,000 earlier in the year through his own channels. This collaboration not only brings a built‑in audience but also demonstrates the tangible impact that individual creators can have when they align their platforms with charitable causes.

Baxter emphasized that the partnership with gamers and streamers is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy. "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 added. The insights gathered—from donor behavior to technical logistics—will inform future campaigns, potentially scaling up to larger e‑sports tournaments or multi‑streamer marathons. Baxter also praised gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," highlighting how the gaming space is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support.

She pointed out that many gamers share a deep appreciation for storytelling, imagination, and immersive experiences. "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," she said. Save Point is integrated into the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026.

This campaign aims to shift the public’s focus from traditional holiday gifts to essential deliveries that children in crisis truly need—such as food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter underscored the stark contrast between typical Christmas presents and the life‑saving supplies that many children await. "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." The Save Point event is scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026. Participants can sign up by registering their interest through the provided link, which will also supply guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream. By combining the excitement of gaming with the generosity of viewers, Save the Children hopes to create a new fundraising model that is both entertaining and deeply impactful. In addition to the core livestream activities, the charity plans to incorporate interactive challenges, donation milestones, and exclusive in‑game rewards to keep audiences engaged.

For instance, streamers may unlock special avatars or skins when certain fundraising targets are met, encouraging viewers to contribute more. There will also be opportunities for collaborative play, where multiple creators team up for joint marathon sessions, amplifying reach and donation potential. Beyond the immediate financial goals, Save Point seeks to foster lasting relationships between the charity and the gaming ecosystem.

By demonstrating how gaming platforms can be harnessed for social good, the event aspires to inspire other organizations to explore similar partnerships. As Baxter concluded, "We want the gaming community to see that their passion can translate into real‑world impact, and we hope this is just the first of many successful collaborations that change lives across the globe."