Hawea Flat School pupil Levi Boyd had been saving to buy a new pair of shoes he liked.
But the chance to help people affected by last month's devastating earthquake in Nepal came first over new footwear, he said.
Levi was one of several pupils who donated their money box or tooth fairy savings to the school's fundraising efforts for a $1500 ShelterBox, a disaster relief package which will supply a family of up to 10 people with a tent and lifesaving equipment.
Rotary co-ordinates the ShelterBox programme in New Zealand and the Wanaka Rotary Club had a demonstration model set up at the school yesterday during a sausage sizzle lunch and parents' afternoon tea fundraiser.
Levi's contribution to the cause came from household chores ''like firewood and mowing the lawns'', he explained.
Keira Beston gave $13 she had collected from the tooth fairy to the ShelterBox project.
''Because they [Nepalese people] were all in big trouble and I wanted to help them.''
The proceeds from Jonathon Wing's two bottom teeth, combined with his holiday savings, were also handed over to the school.
Principal Sue Heath said the children had developed a special connection with Nepal through their school production Sir Ed - You're a Legend in 2013, but staff had been surprised to see some go as far as making a personal donation.
''Nowadays the children just seem to know that they can take action, that they can do things that make a difference.''
Although Levi gave up his shoe savings, all was not lost, he said.
''I'm getting them for my birthday in September.''
