This holiday season, Save the Children is set to roll out its very first gaming‑focused fundraising initiative, a two‑day event dubbed Save Point, which will run from December 5 to December 6, 2026. The concept was conceived as a way to tap into the vibrant world of video games and live streaming, offering a fresh avenue for supporters to contribute to the organization’s mission. Fiona Baxter, the senior fundraising manager at Save the Children, shared with GamesIndustry.biz that Save Point emerged from a broader ambition to deepen the charity’s connection with the gaming community. “We wanted to create something that would resonate with gamers and streamers, not just as a one‑off donation drive but as a genuine partnership that reflects the values of both sides,” she explained.
Baxter highlighted that traditional fundraising events, such as marathons or galas, can be limiting for many potential donors. “Not everyone can run a marathon or attend a formal dinner,” she said.
“A gaming‑centric event is far more inclusive, allowing people of all ages and fitness levels to get involved, whether they’re seasoned streamers with large followings or casual players who enjoy a good game night.” By leveraging the accessibility of online platforms, Save Point aims to showcase how diverse forms of support can make a tangible difference. The charity has teamed up with popular online creator and streamer TheKapFantastic, who previously helped raise over £5,000 for Save the Children earlier in the year. This partnership underscores the organization’s strategy of collaborating with influencers who already have a dedicated audience.
Baxter noted that the charity hopes to nurture these relationships beyond the event itself, saying, “Our goal is to keep building bridges with gamers and streamers long after Save Point ends. If we can turn a single stream into a lasting partnership, the impact multiplies.” According to Baxter, the success of Save Point 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 sphere. “If we walk away with a new crew of gamers who are eager to champion our cause in future events, that will be a massive win,” she said.
“We want them to feel that their experience with us was rewarding enough to keep them engaged.” Because this is Save the Children’s first foray into a gaming‑driven fundraiser, the organization anticipates a steep learning curve. “There are countless learning opportunities embedded in this event,” Baxter remarked. “Feedback from participants, viewers, and partners will be invaluable as we refine our approach and scale up for even bigger gaming events in the years to come.” Baxter praised gamers and streamers as the "unsung heroes of fundraising," emphasizing that the gaming sector is pioneering a new, innovative standard for charitable support. She elaborated, "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 demonstrate just how powerful the community can be when it rallies around a cause." Save Point is integrated into Save the Children’s larger campaign, "The One Delivery That Matters," slated to launch in November 2026. This campaign seeks to shift public attention from the typical holiday gift‑giving mindset to the urgent needs of children who are awaiting essential supplies this Christmas—food, medicine, warm clothing, and safe shelter. Baxter stressed the stark contrast between the usual seasonal expectations and the reality faced by millions of vulnerable children.
"Anything you can order with a click can be delivered to your doorstep," she said, "but for many children this year, it won’t be toys or sweets they’re hoping for—it will be life‑saving deliveries that protect their childhoods." Participants in Save Point can sign up through a dedicated registration portal, where they will receive guidance on setting up a fundraising livestream, choosing a game or series of games to play, and promoting their stream to maximize donations. The charity will provide resources such as donation links, overlay graphics, and talking points to help streamers convey the importance of the cause to their audiences. In addition to the primary fundraising goal, Save Point will feature a series of community challenges, such as speed‑run contests, multiplayer tournaments, and creative build‑off sessions, each designed to encourage viewer interaction and increase donation flow. Special guest appearances from well‑known gaming personalities are planned throughout the two‑day window, offering surprise incentives and boosting viewership spikes.
The event also aims to educate participants about the broader impact of their contributions. Throughout the livestreams, Save the Children will share stories and footage from field operations, illustrating how each donation translates into concrete aid—delivering meals to families in conflict zones, providing vaccinations in remote villages, and supplying winter coats to children in cold climates.
By tying the virtual gaming experience to real‑world outcomes, the charity hopes to deepen the emotional connection between donors and the beneficiaries of their generosity. Looking ahead, Baxter expressed optimism that Save Point could become an annual fixture on the charity’s fundraising calendar. "If this pilot proves successful, we envision a growing ecosystem of gaming‑based fundraisers that not only raise money but also foster a community of advocates who understand and champion our mission year after year," she said.
"The potential is enormous, and we’re just beginning to tap into it." In summary, Save Point represents a bold experiment that merges the excitement of gaming with the urgency of humanitarian aid. By inviting gamers, streamers, and their audiences to rally around a shared purpose, Save the Children hopes to deliver critical supplies to children in need this Christmas while forging lasting partnerships within the digital entertainment world. Interested individuals can register their interest via the official Save Point page and receive detailed instructions on how to launch their own fundraising livestream, turning playtime into a powerful force for good.