This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, a two‑day event branded Save Point, which will run from December 5th to 6th, 2026. The concept emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the worldwide gaming community, a demographic that has shown an increasing appetite for socially responsible participation.
Fiona Baxter, the senior fundraising manager at Save the Children, told GamesIndustry.biz that the idea for Save Point was "born from a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community," and that the charity sees the venture as a way to diversify its supporter base beyond traditional physical‑challenge events such as marathons or walks. "Save Point is allowing us to engage more with the gaming community, both from a partnership and individual supporter perspective. 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 explained.
By leveraging livestream platforms, donation overlays, and interactive challenges, the charity hopes to create a low‑barrier entry point for gamers of all skill levels to contribute time, talent, and funds. The event will feature a mix of scheduled charity streams, competitive tournaments, and collaborative play‑throughs, each designed to drive donations in real time while also raising awareness of the organization’s broader mission. To anchor the initiative, Save the Children has partnered with well‑known online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously raised more than £5,000 for the charity earlier in the year.
The partnership is intended to be mutually beneficial: the streamer gains a meaningful cause to champion, while the charity taps into an established audience that already trusts the creator’s voice. Baxter emphasized that the collaboration 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." The event also serves as a learning laboratory for the charity.
"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. By collecting data on viewer engagement, donation spikes, and the effectiveness of different streaming formats, Save the Children plans to refine its approach for future campaigns, potentially expanding into e‑sports tournaments, virtual reality experiences, and cross‑platform collaborations. Baxter described gamers and streamers as "the unsung heroes of fundraising," highlighting how the gaming sphere is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support.
She pointed out that many gamers share a deep love for narrative, imagination, and the escapism that video games provide. "There is an understanding between 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 added. Save Point is integrated into Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launched in November 2026.
The campaign draws attention to the stark reality that, for millions of children around the globe, the most vital gifts this Christmas will not be toys or sweets, but essential supplies such as food, medicine, warm clothing, and a safe place to sleep. Baxter underscored the contrast between the convenience of modern e‑commerce and the dire needs of vulnerable children: "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." Participants in Save Point can sign up through a dedicated registration portal, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, choosing donation targets, and promoting their streams across social media.
The charity will provide promotional assets, donation links, and real‑time leaderboards to foster a sense of friendly competition among participants. In addition, special incentives such as exclusive in‑game items, shout‑outs from TheKapFantastic, and recognition on Save the Children’s official channels will be offered to top fundraisers.
Beyond the immediate financial goals, the event aims to cultivate a lasting relationship between the nonprofit sector and the gaming community. By demonstrating that digital entertainment can be harnessed for social good, Save the Children hopes to inspire other charities to explore similar partnerships, thereby amplifying the overall impact of gaming‑driven philanthropy.
As the event approaches, the organization plans to release teaser videos, behind‑the‑scenes content, and interviews with participating creators to build momentum and keep potential donors engaged. In summary, Save Point represents a pioneering effort to merge the immersive world of video games with the urgent humanitarian work of Save the Children. Through strategic collaborations, accessible participation models, and a focus on continuous improvement, the charity seeks to set a precedent for how the gaming industry can contribute to meaningful, life‑changing outcomes for children in need. The event promises not only to raise crucial funds but also to reshape perceptions of what charitable giving can look like in the digital age.