This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, a live‑streamed event dubbed "Save Point." The concept, which merges the excitement of video games with the power of online broadcasting, is designed to tap into the enthusiasm of the gaming community while raising vital funds for children in need. Fiona Baxter, the organization’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the idea for Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with gamers.
"Save Point was born out of a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community," she explained. "We wanted to create an event that feels natural for gamers, offering a platform where they can contribute in a way that aligns with their passions." Unlike traditional charity challenges such as marathons or long‑distance walks, which require significant physical preparation, a gaming fundraiser is far more accessible to a diverse audience. "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 inviting both individual players and corporate partners to join the livestream, Save the Children hopes to broaden its supporter base and demonstrate that charitable giving can take many forms.
The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise over £5,000 for the organization earlier in the year. This partnership not only brings an established fanbase to the cause but also signals Save the Children’s commitment to building lasting relationships within the gaming ecosystem. "It would be incredible to reach more people in this community with information about the work we do and why it’s important," Baxter added. "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 team 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—from viewer engagement metrics to donation patterns—will inform future campaigns, potentially leading to larger, multi‑day streaming marathons, tournament brackets, and collaborative charity raids across multiple platforms. Baxter highlighted the often‑overlooked role that gamers and streamers play in philanthropy, describing them as "unsung heroes of fundraising." She emphasized that the gaming world is pioneering a new, innovative standard for charitable support. "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 forms part of the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026. This campaign seeks to shift public focus from traditional holiday gifts to essential supplies that children in crisis urgently need—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.
"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 event is scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, and will be streamed across major platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming. Participants will have the chance to register their interest, receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, and access promotional assets to help amplify their reach. Throughout the two‑day window, streamers will host gameplay sessions, challenges, and interactive Q&A segments, encouraging viewers to donate directly through integrated charity buttons. In addition to real‑time donations, Save Point will feature milestone incentives.
For example, reaching certain fundraising targets could unlock exclusive in‑game items, special shout‑outs from high‑profile creators, or even a collaborative charity tournament where top‑performing gamers compete for a final donation push. These gamified elements aim to keep audiences engaged, turning the act of giving into an immersive experience that mirrors the excitement of video‑game progression.
Beyond the immediate financial impact, the event is expected to generate lasting awareness about the plight of children facing hardship during the holiday season. By leveraging the storytelling nature of games, Save the Children hopes to convey personal narratives of resilience and need, fostering empathy among a demographic that might otherwise be detached from traditional charity appeals. Looking ahead, Baxter expressed optimism that Save Point could become an annual fixture, evolving into a flagship event that bridges the gap between entertainment and humanitarian aid.
"If we can prove that a gaming‑driven fundraiser can deliver meaningful support and inspire a new wave of advocates, we’ll have set a precedent for other charities to follow," she concluded. "The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable model where the gaming community feels empowered to make a tangible difference, season after season." Those interested in joining the cause can sign up through the official Save Point registration page, where they will receive step‑by‑step instructions on configuring donation overlays, promoting their stream, and maximizing viewer interaction.
With the holiday season fast approaching, Save the Children is counting on gamers worldwide to turn their passion for play into a powerful engine for change, delivering hope and essential resources to children who need them most.