An 11-year-old boy has donated his New Year gift money of 100,000 yuan (US$14,649) to help the victims of drought-ravaged Southwest China, Youth Times reported.

Zhang Beiyuan from Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang province, received approximately 9,000 yuan each year during the Spring Festival, China's lunar New Year, to save for a university education.

But after hearing of the plight of those suffering in the drought, he handed over his 11-year savings to a fund established for relief efforts.

His parents support the boy's decision although they feel surprised by his generosity.

His teacher Zhong Caijuan said that Zhang is a very nice boy who loves animals and is always ready to help others.