Nieces of Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan in Police Legacy charity effort just days after aunt’s tragic death
They’re still grieving the loss of their treasured family member but the nieces of Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan are already working to help other police families in similar pain.
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Family of decorated officer Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan, who lost her life in the tragic double fatality crash in Urrbrae over the weekend, are raising money to assist other families battling the loss of a serving officer.
Chief-Supt Shanahan’s nieces, Selena and Nadine Steiner, from Fullarton, started the fundraiser for Police Legacy on Monday night after touring the city – which was lit up in blue to pay tribute to the loss of their aunty, a respected officer of almost 40 years.
Police Legacy is a registered charity assisting families of SAPOL officers in times of illness and bereavement.
Emergency services attended the scene at Fullarton Rd and Cross Rd on Saturday, with Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, who said it was one of the most horrific he had ever seen.
A 20-year-old Urrbrae man, who was involved in the crash, remains in the Royal Adelaide Hospital with serious injuries.
Selena initially started the fundraiser to create awareness.
“I researched a little in the way Police Legacy and it was pretty much exactly what I was hoping for, supporting families of police officers during loss and illness,” Selena, 20, said.
The girls made a modest goal of $500, which was quickly surpassed, reaching $800 in 20 minutes. On Wednesday, the fundraiser had reached more than $6000.
“We were overwhelmed in a good way, there were friends and people outside of our friendship group, people we haven’t spoken to in years,” Selena said.
Nadine, 23, said the contribution means a lot to not just their family, but others fighting a similar battle.
“The goal for us is to help everyone affected by this for that charity specifically, everyone who has suffered from a loss, not just our family,” Nadine said.
“Our aunty deserves it, she had such a massive impact, she was so humble and such a strong woman.”
The whole family is still dealing with the loss and will be for a while.
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“Everyday our family are waking up and realising what happened,” Nadine said.
Donate to the Police Legacy Fundraiser by searching on Facebook for “Selena’s fundraiser for South Australia Police Legacy Incorporated”.
The occupant of the house whose brick wall was smashed in the horror crash has also established a fundraiser for both families.
Jorgia Dunn, 30, of Urrbrae, is aiming to raise $50,000 for the Shanahan and McNeill families, saying she feels a responsibility to help.
“I watched the 24 hours that unfolded from my balcony and I witnessed everything from the horrific scenes to the emergency crews being here to the removal of the cars.,” Ms Dunn said.
“It hit hard and I felt so helpless. I feel connected to the scene because it’s on my property.
“I need to do something. I need to help them.”