This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its very first gaming‑focused fundraising campaign, a live‑stream event dubbed "Save Point." The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, merges the excitement of video games with the power of charitable giving, aiming to rally both seasoned gamers and casual players around a common cause. Fiona Baxter, the organization’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point grew out of a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community. "We wanted a platform that would let us interact with gamers not just as donors, but as partners in a shared mission," she explained. "Many people can’t commit to a marathon or a long‑distance bike ride, but a gaming marathon is far more inclusive.
It allows us to showcase how a different type of supporter can make a meaningful impact." To give the event a strong foothold in the online world, Save the Children has teamed up with popular content creator and streamer TheKapFantastic. The influencer, who previously raised over £5,000 for the charity earlier in the year, will host the livestream, encouraging viewers to donate, set up their own fundraising pages, and engage with the cause throughout the two‑day marathon. Baxter emphasized that the partnership is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to nurture relationships with gamers and streamers beyond the event itself. "Our hope is to reach a wider audience within this vibrant community and educate them about the vital work we do and why it matters," Baxter said.
"If we walk away with a new cohort of supporters who are eager to game for us again, that would be a massive win." Because Save Point is a brand‑new format for the charity, Baxter highlighted the learning potential embedded in the venture. "This is our first attempt at a gaming‑centric fundraiser, so the feedback we receive will be priceless. It will help us refine and expand future gaming events, making them bigger and more effective each year." Baxter also praised gamers and streamers as "the unsung heroes of fundraising," noting that the gaming world is setting a "new, innovative standard" for how charitable causes are supported.
She pointed out that many gamers share a love for storytelling, imagination, and escapism, and that these passions can be harnessed to drive real‑world change. "When we channel our enthusiasm for play into tangible action, we demonstrate just how influential the gaming community can be," she added. Save Point forms a key component of Save the Children’s broader campaign titled "The One Delivery That Matters," slated for launch in November 2026. The campaign seeks to shift public focus from traditional holiday gifts to essential supplies that children in crisis need during the festive season—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter.
Baxter underscored this message, saying, "Anything you can order with a tap of a screen can be delivered to your door. But for millions of children this Christmas, it isn’t toys they’re awaiting—it’s life‑saving deliveries that protect their childhoods." The event will run over two consecutive days, offering participants multiple ways to get involved. Gamers can register their interest via the Save Point sign‑up page, where they will receive guidance on setting up a personal fundraising livestream, tips for engaging viewers, and resources to maximize donation totals. Streamers are encouraged to incorporate interactive elements such as donation milestones, challenges, and exclusive in‑game rewards to keep audiences motivated.
In addition to the primary livestream, Save Point will feature a series of side events, including charity esports tournaments, speed‑run marathons, and collaborative gameplay sessions with popular YouTubers and Twitch personalities. These ancillary activities are designed to broaden the event’s appeal, attract diverse audiences, and generate additional fundraising opportunities. The charity also plans to leverage social media platforms to amplify the campaign’s reach.
Hashtags like #SavePoint2026 and #GameForGood will be promoted across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, encouraging users to share their own gaming moments, donation progress, and personal stories about why they support Save the Children. By fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, the organization hopes to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the two‑day window. Looking ahead, Baxter expressed optimism that Save Point could become an annual fixture in the charity’s fundraising calendar.
"If this pilot proves successful, we’ll have a solid foundation to build larger, more ambitious gaming events in the years to come," she said. "The ultimate goal is to turn the gaming community’s passion into a sustainable engine for change, delivering essential aid to children who need it most." In summary, Save Point represents a pioneering blend of entertainment and philanthropy, offering a fresh avenue for donors to contribute while enjoying the games they love. By tapping into the creativity, generosity, and connectivity of gamers worldwide, Save the Children aims to deliver critical supplies to vulnerable children during the holiday season—proving that a simple click or a few hours of gameplay can make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most.