More than $350,000 has been donated to Save the Children in less than 24 hours in honour of independent MP Helen Haines, who is in a critical condition after an alleged attack in Victoria.
The fundraising campaign was launched at the request of Dr Haines and her family, with her husband, Phil Haines, asking supporters to donate to the charity rather than send flowers.
Save the Children Australia chief executive Matt Tinkler said the organisation had been “deeply moved” by the family’s decision to support children during what he described as a devastating situation.
“That they want to do something positive for children when they are facing such a devastating situation speaks volumes about their generosity and compassion,” he said.
Mr Tinkler said the charity would work with the family to ensure the money supported vulnerable children in the region and causes close to Dr Haines, including maternal and child healthcare and early childhood education.
Dr Haines was allegedly struck twice by a four-wheel-drive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on Monday. Her husband confirmed on Wednesday that surgeons had amputated both of her legs, but said she was alive and stable.
“Helen’s road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we know she is a fighter,” Mr Haines said.
“She is a determined person who will do her best with our support and love to recover, and that is what we hope for.”
About 200 people gathered in Wodonga on Wednesday evening for a vigil supporting the federal member for Indi. Attendees wore Dr Haines’ distinctive orange campaign shirts, embraced and signed books with messages wishing her well.
Former Indi MP Cathy McGowan also attended and called for Australians to unite against political violence.
“Her brain, her wisdom and her personality are still going to be with us,” Ms McGowan told the ABC.
The gathering followed a vigil at Wangaratta’s Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral on Tuesday, while flowers, gifts and handwritten messages continued to be left outside Dr Haines’ electorate office.
Brendan Nugent, 43, appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Wednesday over the alleged attack. He faces charges including dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
He did not apply for bail and is expected to face a committal hearing on February 4, 2027.
