This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, a two‑day live streaming extravaganza titled Save Point. The initiative, which will run on December 5 and 6, 2026, is designed to tap into the enthusiasm of gamers, content creators, and their audiences, turning playtime into a powerful vehicle for raising vital funds for children in need. Fiona Baxter, the organisation’s senior fundraising manager, 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 recognised that not everyone can take part in a traditional marathon or bake‑sale, but a gaming marathon is far more inclusive and allows a completely different kind of supporter to make a tangible impact." By partnering with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic—who previously generated over £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year—the charity hopes to attract a diverse audience of both casual and hardcore gamers. Baxter emphasised that the partnership 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 matters," she said. "I’ll consider the event a huge success if we walk away with a new crew of supporters who want to game for us again because of their experience with Save the Children." The event is also a learning laboratory for the charity. "There are 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 collaborations, potentially expanding into e‑sports tournaments, charity raids in popular multiplayer titles, and even virtual reality experiences that blend entertainment with advocacy. 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 elaborated on the cultural synergy between gaming and philanthropy: "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 is a key component of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026. The campaign aims to shift the narrative around Christmas for millions of children who, instead of receiving toys and sweets, are awaiting essential supplies 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," Baxter remarked, drawing a parallel between the ease of online shopping and the urgent need for life‑saving deliveries to vulnerable children.
The charity hopes that participants will not only raise money but also spread awareness about the stark realities many children face during the festive season. By streaming their gameplay, sharing personal stories, and interacting with viewers, streamers can create a compelling narrative that bridges entertainment and empathy.
Viewers, in turn, are encouraged to donate directly through integrated fundraising tools, purchase charity merchandise, or even set up their own mini‑marathons to amplify the impact. To join Save Point, interested individuals can register via the provided link, which will supply guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, selecting donation platforms, and promoting the event across social media channels. The charity will also offer resources such as branding assets, talking points about their work, and tips for engaging audiences effectively.
Beyond the immediate fundraising goals, Save Point is positioned as a catalyst for longer‑term engagement. By cultivating relationships with gamers and streamers, Save the Children aims to build a sustainable network of digital advocates who can champion the cause year after year. This approach reflects a broader shift in the nonprofit sector, where organisations are increasingly recognising the value of digital communities and the unique reach they possess.
In summary, Save Point represents an innovative blend of entertainment, technology, and altruism. It invites participants to transform their passion for gaming into a meaningful contribution that can deliver food, medicine, and safety to children who need it most during the holiday season.
As the event approaches, the charity anticipates a wave of enthusiasm from both the gaming world and its supporters, hopeful that this pioneering fundraiser will set a precedent for future collaborations between the charitable and gaming sectors.