Save the Children appeal reaches $730,000 as MP Haines stabilizes
Donations for the charity appeal passed three-quarters of a million dollars on Saturday, the same day doctors upgraded the MP's status to serious but stable.
By Fatima Laurent ·
The financial appeal for Save the Children, launched in honor of federal MP Helen Haines, surpassed $730,000 on Saturday. This milestone coincided with a medical update from The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, which described Haines as being in a serious but stable condition. Her status had previously been listed as critical but stable.
Haines, the independent member for the Victorian seat of Indi, was struck by a car in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. Surgeons initially attempted to save her right leg. The severity of her injuries required amputations of both legs. A hospital spokesperson confirmed the condition change on Saturday morning.
Phil Haines, her husband, spoke outside the hospital on Wednesday. He stated that both her heart and her mind are in good shape. He described her heart as huge and her intellect as sharp. He encouraged supporters to donate to Save the Children while she recovers.
Police charged Brendan Nugent, 43, of Tarrawingee, on Tuesday with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a commonwealth public official. Court documents indicate he faces two additional charges for cultivating and possessing cannabis. Nugent appeared at Wangaratta magistrates court on Wednesday and did not apply for bail.
Staff for the Indi electorate hope to reopen their offices next Thursday. They noted that many team members witnessed the incident and provided initial assistance. The team requested understanding as they care for themselves and one another while Haines recovers.
The incident has drawn attention to security risks for members of parliament. In Western Australia, police charged a 56-year-old man days after Haines was struck. He allegedly threatened staff and wielded nunchucks at the office of state minister Hannah Beazley.
A community vigil took place in Wodonga on Wednesday evening. Cathy McGowan, Haines's predecessor as the member for Indi, told attendees that the community is dealing with mixed emotions.
Source: The Guardian
