Key Points
- Jhumar and Kryzel Robles are from Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, and they arrived in Australia in May 2023 as international students.
- Jhumar collected bottles for extra income, and next, he focused on toys. Having grown up without toys, he wanted to bring happiness to other children.
- The toys, educational materials, and children's clothing were freely donated. These items were distributed to daycare centers and remote schools in the Philippines.
Driven by his desire to do what's right and bring joy to children, 38-year-old Jhumar Robles, also known as Nokie, along with his wife Kryzel, became serious about collecting toys, educational materials, and children's clothing in the state of Victoria, Australia, starting January 2025.
Juggling multiple roles—Jhumar (Nokie Robles) makes the most of his time as a Carpentry student, photo editor, and photographer in Australia, all while collecting bottles and toys to give back to kids in need in the Philippines.
Jhumar took up carpentry, while his wife Kryzel pursued a course in healthcare.
He shared that he was encouraged to start collecting toys because he felt it was a waste, and due to his personal experiences growing up.
"I didn’t have this before, and if I had it during my time, I would’ve been so happy. That’s why it really stuck in my mind to give these toys to kids in the Philippines who are just dreaming of having something like this," Jhumar shared.
To earn extra income, Nokie also collects bottles with a 10-cent refund through the Return and Earn program, using the money to fund sending toys and supplies for children in the Philippines.
Balancing school and work, Jhumar Robles tirelessly collects bottles, toys, and other essentials across Victoria, Australia, to brighten the lives of children in the Philippines. Jhumar Robles FB
Jhumar's call for donations on social media sparked a wave of generosity, with more people offering used/new toys and children's items to help those in need. Credit: Jhumar Robles
The Robles couple and their donors hope that their contribution goes beyond material items and truly makes a positive impact on the lives of the young children in the Philippines, who are considered the hope of the nation.
