This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its very first gaming‑focused and livestream‑driven fundraiser, an initiative they have christened "Save Point." The concept emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the organization’s connection with the gaming world, a sector that has grown into a vibrant community of creators, players, and influencers. Fiona Baxter, the charity’s senior fundraising manager, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that the seed for Save Point was "born from a wider desire to engage more with the gaming community." Baxter explains that the event is designed to open new pathways for involvement, both through formal partnerships with established creators and through the participation of individual supporters who may not have the capacity to take part in traditional charity challenges like marathons. "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," she said. By leveraging the interactive and social nature of gaming, the charity hopes to attract donors who might otherwise feel disconnected from conventional fundraising formats. To give the event a strong launchpad, Save the Children has teamed up with popular online content creator and livestreamer TheKapFantastic, who has already demonstrated a commitment to the cause by raising over £5,000 for the charity earlier in the year.
This collaboration not only brings a sizable audience to the fundraiser but also signals the charity’s intention to cultivate long‑term relationships with gamers and streamers beyond the immediate event. "It would be incredible to reach more people in this community with information about the work we do and why it's important," Baxter noted. "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 inaugural Save Point is also a learning laboratory for the organization.
As their first foray into a gaming‑centric fundraiser, the team anticipates gathering valuable feedback that will inform future, larger‑scale events. "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 said.
This iterative approach reflects a broader trend within the nonprofit sector, where data‑driven insights are increasingly used to refine donor engagement strategies. Baxter goes on to describe gamers and streamers as "unsung heroes of fundraising," emphasizing that the gaming arena is "setting a new, innovative standard" for charitable support.
She points out that many gamers share a love of 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 remarked. Save Point is integrated into Save the Children’s broader campaign titled "The One Delivery That Matters," which is slated to launch in November 2026.
The campaign seeks to shift public attention from material gifts to essential supplies that children in crisis need during the festive season—items such as nutritious food, vital medicines, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter underscores the stark contrast between typical holiday expectations and the harsh realities faced by many children: "Absolutely anything you could think of can be delivered right to your door at the tap of a screen," she said.
"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." The Save Point event is scheduled to run over two days, from December 5 to December 6, 2026. Participants will have the opportunity to join the livestream, set up their own fundraising streams, and engage with a global audience of gamers who are eager to contribute to a meaningful cause. Those interested can register their intent through the provided link, which will also supply guidance on how to set up a successful fundraising livestream, from technical requirements to best practices for audience interaction.
In addition to the primary fundraising goal, Save Point aims to foster a sense of community among participants. By creating a shared space where gamers can collaborate, compete in friendly challenges, and celebrate milestones together, the event hopes to build lasting relationships that extend beyond the holiday season. The charity envisions a future where gaming events become a regular fixture in its fundraising calendar, each iteration expanding its reach and impact.
Overall, Save Point represents a strategic pivot for Save the Children, embracing modern digital culture to amplify its mission. By tapping into the enthusiasm, creativity, and generosity of the gaming community, the organization is not only raising essential funds but also redefining how charitable work can be communicated and supported in the 21st century.
The success of this inaugural event could set a precedent for other nonprofits looking to harness the power of interactive media and livestream platforms for social good.