This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, a two‑day event called Save Point. The campaign, which runs on December 5‑6, 2026, merges live‑streamed gameplay with charitable giving, inviting both seasoned gamers and casual players to contribute to a cause that touches millions of children worldwide.
Fiona Baxter, the organization’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the concept for Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community. “We wanted a platform where we could interact with gamers not just as donors, but as partners in a shared mission,” Baxter explained.
“Traditional fundraisers like marathons are fantastic, but they’re not accessible to everyone. A gaming‑centric event lowers the barrier to entry, allowing people who might not be able to run a race to still make a meaningful impact.” The charity has teamed up with popular online content creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise more than £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. This collaboration exemplifies the growing synergy between nonprofit organisations and digital influencers.
Baxter emphasized that the partnership is just the beginning: “Our goal is to cultivate lasting relationships with gamers and streamers long after Save Point concludes. If we can turn a single event into a pipeline of ongoing support, we’ll have achieved something truly special.” According to Baxter, success will be measured not only by the amount of money raised but also by the expansion of the charity’s supporter base within the gaming world. “If we walk away with a new crew of enthusiastic gamers who want to continue playing for our cause, that will be a massive win,” she said. “Their personal experiences and stories can inspire even more people to join the movement.” Because Save Point is a first‑time venture for the organisation, Baxter highlighted the learning potential embedded in the initiative.
“We’ll be gathering feedback from participants, viewers, and partners to refine our approach. This data will be invaluable as we plan larger, more ambitious gaming events in the years to come.” Baxter also praised gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," noting that the gaming sector is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support. She elaborated on the cultural traits that make the gaming community uniquely suited to drive social change: "Gamers are storytellers at heart.
We love immersive narratives, imaginative worlds, and the sense of escape that games provide. When we channel that passion into real‑world impact, we showcase just how powerful collective play can be." Save Point is a key component of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026. The campaign aims to shift public focus from traditional holiday gifts to essential deliveries that children in crisis need—such as nutritious food, life‑saving medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter underscored this message, stating, "In the age of instant delivery, we can click a button and have a package appear at our doorstep.
Yet for countless children this Christmas, the items they’re awaiting are not toys but the basic necessities that protect their lives and preserve their childhoods." The event’s structure is designed to be inclusive and engaging. Participants can register their interest through a dedicated portal, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, choosing donation platforms, and promoting their streams across social media. The charity will provide promotional assets, suggested fundraising targets, and real‑time leaderboards to foster friendly competition among streamers. Throughout the two‑day window, a schedule of special activities will keep viewers entertained and motivated to donate.
Highlights include: - **Charity Gaming Marathons:** Selected streamers will tackle popular titles for extended sessions, with donation milestones unlocking in‑game challenges or charitable rewards. - **Exclusive In‑Game Items:** Partner game developers will release limited‑edition skins or accessories, with proceeds directly supporting Save the Children. - **Live Interviews:** Fiona Baxter and other Save the Children representatives will appear on streams to discuss the impact of donations, share stories from the field, and answer audience questions. - **Community Challenges:** Viewers can vote on collective goals, such as unlocking a special charity event in a game or triggering a surprise donation match from corporate partners.
By integrating these elements, Save Point aims to demonstrate how digital entertainment can be harnessed for tangible humanitarian outcomes. Baxter concluded with an optimistic outlook: "The gaming community has an incredible capacity for generosity, creativity, and collaboration.
If we can turn a weekend of play into a lifeline for children in need, we’ll have set a precedent that other charities can follow. We’re excited to see how far this experiment can go and eager to welcome new allies into our mission."