This holiday season, Save the Children is set to debut its very first gaming‑focused fundraiser, an event titled Save Point. The initiative merges video‑game play with live streaming to rally support and donations for children in need during the festive period. 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 connection with the gaming community. "We wanted a way to reach gamers not just as occasional donors but as active partners," Baxter said.
"Save Point gives us a platform to engage both established gaming influencers and everyday players who might not be able to take part in traditional fundraisers like marathons or galas." Unlike a marathon, which demands significant physical preparation, a gaming marathon can be joined from a living room with a console or PC, making it far more inclusive. "The accessibility of a streaming event means anyone with a headset and an internet connection can contribute," Baxter noted. "It also showcases the diverse ways supporters can help – whether they’re donating directly, encouraging their followers to give, or simply raising awareness through their gameplay." The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously generated over £5,000 for Save the Children earlier this year through a dedicated charity stream. This partnership exemplifies the growing trend of content creators leveraging their audiences for social good.
Baxter emphasized that Save Point is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to cultivate relationships with gamers and streamers beyond the event itself. "Our hope is to introduce more people in the gaming sphere to the vital work we do and why it matters," she explained. "If, after the event, we have a fresh cohort of gamers who want to continue supporting us – perhaps by hosting future streams or collaborating on new campaigns – we’ll consider that a major triumph." Baxter also highlighted the learning curve associated with pioneering this type of fundraiser. "Because this is our first foray into a gaming‑centric charity event, the feedback we receive will be priceless.
It will help us refine the format, improve the donor experience, and scale up future gaming initiatives year after year," she said. In her view, gamers and streamers act as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," pushing the boundaries of how charitable contributions are solicited and delivered. She pointed out that the gaming world is "setting a new, innovative standard" for philanthropy, blending entertainment with purpose in a seamless way. "Gamers share a love for storytelling, imagination, and escaping into new realms," Baxter observed.
"When we channel that passion into real‑world impact, we demonstrate just how powerful the gaming community can be. It’s about turning hours of play into tangible, lasting change for children who need it most." Save Point forms a key component of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," slated to launch in November 2026. The campaign aims to shift public focus from traditional holiday gifts to essential supplies that children in crisis are awaiting—food, medication, warm clothing, and safe shelter.
"Anything you can order online can be delivered to your door with a few clicks," Baxter remarked. "But for millions of children this Christmas, the deliveries they’re hoping for aren’t toys or sweets; they’re life‑saving essentials that protect their health and future." The event is scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026. Participants can sign up through the Save Point registration page, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, tips for engaging their audience, and resources to maximize donations.
By merging the immersive world of gaming with a charitable mission, Save Point seeks to demonstrate that play can be purposeful. It offers a fresh avenue for donors who might not have previously considered charitable giving, inviting them to contribute through a medium they love.
As the gaming industry continues to expand its influence, initiatives like Save Point illustrate how that influence can be harnessed for the greater good, delivering hope and essential aid to children across the globe during the most vulnerable time of the year.