This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its debut gaming‑centric fundraiser, a live‑streamed event dubbed "Save Point." The initiative, scheduled for December 5‑6, 2026, is designed to tap into the vibrant world of video games and online streaming as a novel avenue for raising funds and awareness for children in need. 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 that would let us interact with gamers and streamers on a level that goes beyond occasional donations,” she explained. “Not everyone can commit to a marathon or a long‑distance bike ride, but a gaming marathon is far more inclusive and can attract a diverse group of participants who are passionate about both play and philanthropy.” The event will be anchored by a partnership with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who has previously helped the charity raise more than £5,000 earlier in the year.
Baxter emphasized that this collaboration is just the beginning of a longer‑term strategy to cultivate relationships with influencers in the gaming space. “Our goal is to keep the conversation going after Save Point ends,” she said.
“If we can introduce more people in this community to the vital work we do, and why it matters, we’ll have built a sustainable pipeline of supporters who might choose to game for us again in the future.” Baxter also highlighted the learning potential inherent in the event. “Because this is our first foray into a gaming‑driven fundraiser, the feedback we collect will be priceless,” she noted.
“It will help us refine our approach and scale up to even bigger, more impactful gaming events year after year.” In her remarks, Baxter described gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," pointing out that the gaming sector is setting a "new, innovative standard" for charitable support. She elaborated on the cultural affinity that gamers have for storytelling, imagination, and immersive experiences, suggesting that these qualities can be harnessed for real‑world change. "When we channel our love of play into something that makes a tangible difference, we showcase just how powerful the gaming community can be," she added.
Save Point is a centerpiece of Save the Children’s broader campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," which launches in November 2026. The campaign seeks to shift public focus from traditional holiday gifts to essential supplies that children in crisis desperately need—such as nutritious food, medical care, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter underscored this message, noting, "In the digital age, you can order almost anything with a tap of a screen. Yet for millions of children this Christmas, the most critical deliveries are not toys or sweets, but life‑saving aid that protects their childhoods." The event’s structure will allow participants to register their interest online, after which they will receive guidance on setting up a personal fundraising livestream.
Streamers can choose to play a variety of games, host challenges, or engage their audiences with interactive segments, all while encouraging viewers to donate directly to Save the Children. The charity plans to feature real‑time donation trackers, leaderboards, and special incentives—such as exclusive in‑game items or shout‑outs—to motivate higher contributions. Beyond the immediate fundraising goal, Save Point aims to foster a sense of community among participants.
By bringing together gamers, content creators, and supporters from around the globe, the event hopes to create lasting bonds that extend beyond the two‑day window. Baxter expressed optimism that the experience will inspire a new cohort of "gaming philanthropists" who view charitable giving as an integral part of their online identity. The charity also intends to document the event’s outcomes, gathering data on viewer engagement, total funds raised, and participant feedback.
This information will be used to produce a post‑event report, which will be shared with partners and the wider public to illustrate the impact of merging entertainment with empathy. In summary, Save Point represents an innovative step for Save the Children, marrying the immersive appeal of video games with the urgent need for humanitarian aid. By leveraging the reach of streamers like TheKapFantastic and the enthusiasm of the gaming community, the charity hopes to deliver essential supplies to children who are waiting for help this festive season. Anyone interested in joining the cause can sign up through the provided link, receive technical support for their livestream, and become part of a movement that turns play into purpose.