This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, dubbed Save Point. The new event blends video‑game play, live streaming, and philanthropy to create a novel way for supporters to contribute during the festive period.
Fiona Baxter, the charity’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the gaming community. “We wanted a platform that would let us interact with gamers and streamers on a more personal level,” she explained. “Not everyone is able to take part in a marathon or a traditional walk‑a‑thon, so a digital‑first event like this opens the door for a far wider audience to get involved and see the impact they can have.” The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who earlier this year helped raise more than £5,000 for Save the Children through his own channel. Baxter emphasized that this partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to cultivate relationships with influencers in the gaming space.
“If we can bring more people from this vibrant community into the conversation about what we do and why it matters, the ripple effect could be huge,” she said. “A successful outcome for us would be walking away with a new cohort of gamers who feel inspired to support us again, whether through future streams, donations, or even volunteering in other capacities.” Because Save Point is a first‑time venture for the charity, Baxter highlighted the learning potential embedded in the project. “We’ll be gathering feedback from participants, viewers, and partners throughout the two‑day window. That insight will be priceless as we look to scale up and refine our approach for even larger gaming‑centric fundraisers in the years to come.” In her remarks, Baxter described gamers and streamers as “the unsung heroes of fundraising,” noting that the gaming industry is beginning to set a new, innovative standard for charitable engagement.
She pointed out that many gamers share a love of narrative, imagination, and escapism, and that these passions can be redirected toward tangible, real‑world change. “When we turn the joy of play into a catalyst for lasting impact, we showcase just how powerful and influential 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. The campaign aims to shift the holiday narrative for millions of children who, instead of receiving toys and sweets, are awaiting essential supplies such as food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter.
Baxter underscored this contrast, stating, “Anything you can order with a click can be delivered straight to your door, but for countless children this Christmas, the deliveries they need are life‑saving essentials, not presents.” The event itself is scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026. Over those two days, participating streamers will host live gaming sessions, challenges, and interactive marathons, encouraging viewers to donate directly through integrated fundraising tools. The platform will feature real‑time donation trackers, leaderboards, and special milestones that unlock surprise in‑game rewards or exclusive content, creating a gamified incentive structure that mirrors the charitable goals.
To join the initiative, individuals can sign up via the Save Point registration page, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, choosing a charity‑approved donation platform, and promoting their stream to maximize reach. The charity will also provide promotional assets, such as overlays, badges, and themed graphics, to help participants maintain a cohesive visual identity throughout the event. Beyond the immediate financial contributions, Save Point seeks to foster a sense of community among gamers, streamers, and donors. By highlighting stories of children whose lives are directly improved by the deliveries funded through the campaign, the event aims to create an emotional connection that transcends the typical transactional nature of online giving.
Baxter believes this storytelling approach will deepen engagement: “When viewers see the faces behind the numbers—children receiving a warm coat, families getting vital medication—they’re more likely to feel a personal stake in the outcome.” Looking ahead, Save the Children plans to analyze the data collected during Save Point to identify best practices for future digital‑first fundraisers. Potential expansions include multi‑platform collaborations, larger tournament‑style events, and partnerships with game developers to embed charitable mechanics directly into games. Baxter concluded with optimism: “The gaming world is constantly evolving, and we’re excited to evolve alongside it, turning play into purpose for the benefit of the most vulnerable children worldwide."