With this in mind, Leeton Inner Wheel and sister clubs of the Riverina donated funds to support the young children in the community of Tumbarumba, which was affected by the fires.

A quantity of small, cuddly bush bears and Cordelia story books, suitable for those aged under five, were purchased.

"Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, there was a delay in getting these items to the town," Inner Wheel district council member Jan Munro said.

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With restrictions recently lifted, a presentation was recently made by Mrs Munro, who is the Inner Wheel Australia council member for district A54 (Riverina) and A54 district chairman Denyse Melton to Snowy Valleys council member Julia Ham.

The bears and books will now be distributed to children in the Tumbarumba area affected by the bushfires.

"These gifts are intended to brighten the lives of these little ones and give them hope that they are not forgotten by their near neighbours," Mrs Munro said.

"The funds have achieved two outcomes.

"Firstly, as a donation to the Inner Wheel National Project, Cord Blood Research Foundation, for the purchase of the bears and books.

"This national project supports research into the use of stem cells from umbilical cords to help improve life for those suffering from diseases such as childhood leukaemia.

"The second outcome has been the gift of the items to the young children in Tumbarumba, to replace toys lost in the fires.

"We hope they feel the support from the Inner Wheel friendship."