This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its very first gaming‑focused fundraising campaign, a two‑day live‑stream marathon called Save Point. The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, merges the excitement of video games with the power of charitable giving, inviting both seasoned gamers and casual players to contribute to a cause that affects millions of children worldwide. Fiona Baxter, the organisation’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s relationship with the gaming community.
"Save Point was born out of a genuine desire to connect more meaningfully with gamers," she explained. "We recognised that not everyone can take part in a traditional marathon or a physical fundraiser, so a digital‑first event offers a far more inclusive platform where supporters can engage on their own terms." The event is being powered by a partnership with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise over £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. By leveraging TheKapFantastic’s established audience, Save the Children hopes to amplify its message and draw in a diverse group of participants—from solo streamers hosting their own mini‑marathons to larger collaborative raids featuring multiple channels.
Baxter emphasised that the charity’s aim extends beyond the immediate fundraising goal. "Our vision is to nurture lasting relationships with gamers and content creators long after the livestream ends," she said. "If we can introduce this community to the vital work we do—providing food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter for children in crisis—we’ll have achieved something far more valuable than a single donation." She added that the success of Save Point will be measured not only by the amount raised but also by the new network of supporters it cultivates. "A true victory would be walking away with a fresh crew of gaming enthusiasts who feel inspired to partner with us again, whether through future streams, charity tournaments, or even in‑person events," Baxter noted.
Because this is Save the Children’s first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the team anticipates a steep learning curve. "We expect to gather a wealth of feedback from participants, viewers, and partners," she said. "That insight will be crucial as we refine our approach and scale up to larger, more ambitious gaming events in the years ahead." Baxter also highlighted the often‑overlooked role that gamers and streamers play in the charitable ecosystem.
She described them as "the unsung heroes of fundraising," pointing out that the gaming world is pioneering a new, innovative standard for supporting social causes. "Gamers share a love for storytelling, imagination, and immersive experiences," she observed. "When we channel that passion into real‑world impact, we demonstrate just how powerful and transformative the gaming community can be." Save Point is a key component of the broader "The One Delivery That Matters" campaign, which launches in November 2026.
This campaign seeks to shift the public’s focus from material gifts to essential deliveries that can literally save lives for children in need. Baxter explained, "In the digital age, we can order almost anything with a tap of a screen.
Yet for countless children this Christmas, the most critical deliveries aren’t toys—they’re food parcels, medical supplies, warm clothing, and safe sleeping arrangements." The messaging underscores a poignant reality: while many families anticipate holiday presents, millions of children are counting on basic necessities that will protect their health and future. By aligning the excitement of gaming with this humanitarian narrative, Save Point aims to turn every view, donation, and chat message into a tangible contribution toward those deliveries.
Participants can join the event by registering their interest through the Save the Children website. Once signed up, they will receive detailed instructions on how to set up a fundraising livestream, including technical guidelines, branding assets, and tips for engaging viewers.
The charity also plans to provide a toolkit of in‑game challenges, donation milestones, and interactive overlays to help streamers keep audiences energized throughout the two‑day marathon. In addition to live donations, the event will feature special in‑game rewards, such as exclusive skins or badges that donors can unlock by contributing certain amounts. These digital incentives are designed to tap into the collector mindset common among gamers, encouraging repeated contributions and fostering a sense of community ownership over the cause. As the gaming industry continues to grow—now encompassing over three billion players worldwide—the potential for charitable collaborations expands dramatically.
Save Point represents a strategic move by Save the Children to harness that momentum, positioning the organisation at the forefront of a new era where entertainment and empathy intersect. By the end of the December 5‑6 window, the charity hopes to not only raise significant funds for essential deliveries but also to cement a lasting partnership with the gaming sector. "If we can demonstrate that gaming can be a catalyst for real‑world change, we’ll set a precedent for countless other organisations to follow," Baxter concluded.
"The power of play is immense, and when we direct it toward helping children in need, the impact is truly life‑changing."