This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, an event dubbed "Save Point." The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, blends live streaming, video‑game play, and charitable giving into a single, accessible experience for supporters of all ages and abilities. Fiona Baxter, the organization’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community. "We wanted a way to reach gamers not just as donors but as partners," Baxter explained. "Not everyone can commit to a marathon or a long‑distance bike ride, but a gaming marathon can be joined from a living room, a bedroom, or a dorm.
It opens the door for a whole new type of supporter who can contribute in a way that feels natural to them." To give the event a strong start, Save the Children has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who earlier in the year raised more than £5,000 for the charity through his own channel. This collaboration illustrates the potential of influencer‑driven philanthropy: a single streamer can mobilise thousands of viewers, turning playtime into a powerful fundraising engine.
Baxter emphasized that the partnership with TheKapFantastic is just the beginning. "Our goal is to keep building relationships with gamers, streamers, and the broader gaming ecosystem long after the two‑day event ends," she said. "If we can educate more people about the work we do and why it matters, we’ll have created a lasting pipeline of supporters who will return to game for us again." She added that success will be measured not only by the amount of money raised but also by the community that forms around the cause. "A huge win for us would be walking away with a new crew of enthusiastic gamers who feel a personal connection to our mission and want to keep supporting us in future events," Baxter noted.
Because this is Save the Children’s first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the organization anticipates a steep learning curve. "We view this as a pilot," Baxter said. "The feedback we gather—from technical glitches to audience engagement tactics—will be invaluable. It will help us design larger, more ambitious gaming events year after year, continually improving the experience for both donors and participants." Baxter also highlighted the often‑overlooked role that gamers and streamers play in the fundraising landscape, calling them "the unsung heroes of charitable giving." She argued that the gaming world is setting a "new, innovative standard" for how nonprofits can harness digital culture.
"Gamers are storytellers at heart. They love immersive narratives, imaginative worlds, and the sense of escape that games provide. When we channel that passion toward real‑world impact, we demonstrate just how powerful that community can be." Save Point is a cornerstone of the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026. The campaign seeks to shift the public’s focus from traditional holiday gifts to essential supplies that children in crisis need most—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter.
Baxter pointed out the stark contrast between a consumer‑driven holiday season and the reality for millions of vulnerable children. "Anything you can order with a click can be delivered to your door," she said.
"But for many children this Christmas, it isn’t toys they’re waiting for; it’s life‑saving deliveries that protect their childhoods." The event’s structure is straightforward: participants register their interest, receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, and then broadcast their gameplay over the two‑day window. Viewers can donate directly through integrated platforms, with the charity receiving a share of the proceeds.
To encourage broader participation, Save the Children is offering resources such as tutorial videos, donation widgets, and promotional graphics that streamers can embed in their channels. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point aims to foster a sense of community among gamers who care about social impact. By creating a shared space where entertainment meets empathy, the charity hopes to inspire ongoing advocacy.
Streamers who join the event will have the opportunity to showcase their personal motivations, share stories of the children they’re helping, and perhaps even collaborate on joint streams to amplify reach. In addition to the primary fundraising stream, the organization plans to host ancillary activities: Q&A sessions with field workers, behind‑the‑scenes looks at how donations are turned into tangible aid, and interactive polls that let viewers decide which regions receive priority deliveries. These elements are designed to keep audiences engaged, informed, and emotionally invested throughout the marathon.
The partnership with TheKapFantastic also serves as a template for future collaborations. By leveraging the creator’s existing audience, Save the Children can tap into niche gaming sub‑communities—whether they’re fans of indie titles, competitive e‑sports, or retro gaming—broadening the donor base beyond traditional channels.
Looking ahead, Baxter expressed optimism about scaling the model. "If Save Point proves successful, we’ll explore multi‑stream events, cross‑platform tournaments, and even collaborations with game developers to embed charitable triggers directly into games," she said. "The possibilities are endless, and the gaming industry is uniquely positioned to drive massive, positive change." In summary, Save Point represents a strategic pivot for Save the Children, marrying the immersive, community‑driven nature of gaming with the urgent need to deliver essential supplies to children worldwide during the holiday season. By inviting gamers to turn their screen time into a force for good, the charity hopes to set a precedent for how nonprofits can innovate in the digital age, creating sustainable, engaging, and impactful fundraising experiences for years to come.
To join the movement, interested participants can register via the link provided by Save the Children, receive step‑by‑step instructions on launching a fundraising livestream, and become part of a growing network of gamers dedicated to making a tangible difference this Christmas.