Lin Xinde, owner of Dege Squid Restaurant on Huaichuan Street in Liuyang, Hunan province, has subsidized the educations of poor students for 11 years, with total donations of 160,000 yuan ($24,796).

He donated the money to charity organizations after winning the Alibaba Daily Positive Energy Award.

The tendon of Lin's right hand was hurt in a machine accident in 2006, and his feed factory went bankrupt. He was 600,000 yuan ($92,986) in debt. He had no money to pay tuition for his two sons. He reached the lowest point of his life.

At that time, Lin's friend lent him 2,000 yuan ($310) and helped him set up a squid stand under the Tianma Bridge in Liuyang. He was able to earn 30 yuan a day at first, but now he earns several hundred.

"At that time, I decided that if my business was good, I must help others," Lin said.

He has subsidized 10 college students since 2010. Of those, eight have jobs and two are still studying.