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 is designed to tap into the enthusiasm of gamers and online creators, offering a novel avenue for supporters to contribute to the charity’s mission. Fiona Baxter, the organization’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," Baxter explained.
"We wanted an event that would resonate both with potential partners in the industry and with individual gamers who might not be able to take part in traditional fundraisers like marathons or galas." She highlighted the accessibility of the format, noting that not everyone can commit to physically demanding challenges. "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 live‑stream platforms, the charity hopes to lower barriers to participation, enabling anyone with a computer, console, or mobile device to join the cause. The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously raised over £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year.
This partnership exemplifies the kind of collaborative spirit the organization aims to foster. Baxter expressed enthusiasm about building lasting relationships with gamers and streamers beyond the immediate event. "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 Save Point is a first‑time venture for the charity, Baxter emphasized the learning potential inherent in the project. "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," she noted. The insights gathered will inform future campaigns, potentially expanding the scope and impact of gaming‑based philanthropy.
Baxter described gamers and streamers as "unsung heroes of fundraising," underscoring the growing influence of the gaming sector in the charitable landscape. She pointed out that the gaming space is "setting a new, innovative standard" for how charitable causes can be supported. "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," she said.
"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 integrated into Save the Children’s broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, slated to launch in November 2026. The campaign seeks to draw attention to the stark reality that, for millions of children worldwide, the most vital gifts this Christmas will not be toys but essential supplies—food, medicine, warm clothing, and a safe place to sleep. Baxter articulated this contrast poignantly: "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 Save Point event is scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026.
Participants will be able to register their interest through a dedicated link, after which they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, choosing a game to play, and promoting their stream to maximize donations. The charity hopes that the combination of entertainment, community engagement, and a clear, urgent cause will inspire both seasoned streamers and casual gamers to get involved. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point aims to cultivate a lasting network of gaming ambassadors for the charity.
By providing tools, resources, and recognition to participants, Save the Children intends to keep the momentum going well after the two‑day window closes. Future plans may include recurring gaming marathons, collaborative charity tournaments, and exclusive in‑game items whose sales benefit the organization.
In summary, Save Point represents a forward‑thinking approach to philanthropy, merging the interactive excitement of gaming with the tangible need for humanitarian aid. Through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and a commitment to learning, Save the Children is positioning itself at the forefront of a new era where digital play can translate directly into life‑saving support for children in need.