A Dunedin student and dedicated volunteer has seen an outpouring of community support, raising more than $10,000 after her wheelchair was destroyed when a car struck her at a pedestrian crossing earlier this month.
Jamie Stillwell, a 20-year-old physics student at the University of Otago, was hit by a vehicle on Macandrew Road in South Dunedin on 14 April. The crash left her custom-funded wheelchair mangled beyond repair and aggravated a pre-existing medical condition that severely limits her mobility.
Ms Stillwell, who also volunteers as a leader with Girl Guiding New Zealand, said the loss of her wheelchair was devastating. “I rely on my wheelchair to live my life,” she wrote on her Givealittle fundraising page. “Without it, I can’t continue my studies, my volunteering, or participate in my community.”
Community rallies behind student
Ms Stillwell lives with a genetic disorder and has faced recent complications that make walking more than a few metres impossible without assistance. The wheelchair, which she had purchased herself, was her key to independence. It allowed her to attend university lectures, teach physics workshops for children, and lead local Girl Guide activities.
Faced with the sudden loss of her mobility aid, she discovered she was not eligible for public funding to cover the cost of a replacement. “The chair I was using was one I funded myself, and I don’t have the means to replace it,” she explained. Needing an estimated $9,000 for a new, comparable wheelchair, she turned to the public for help.
The response was immediate and generous. As of this week, friends, family, and strangers had donated more than $10,480, smashing her initial goal and demonstrating the power of community crowdfunding. The success of the campaign highlights the crucial role platforms like Givealittle play in New Zealand's social fabric, allowing individuals to bridge gaps not covered by official support systems.
I rely on my wheelchair to live my life. Without it, I can’t continue my studies, my volunteering, or participate in my community.
Spotlight on accessibility and pedestrian safety
The incident has cast a light on the challenges faced by people with disabilities and the precariousness of relying on self-funded essential equipment. For many, a sudden accident can lead to an immediate crisis, not only affecting their health but also their ability to work, study, and engage with society. Ms Stillwell's successful campaign underscores a community willingness to step in, but it also raises questions about the adequacy of official support channels for mobility devices.
The University of Otago, where Ms Stillwell is a promising physics student, has a diverse student body with varying accessibility needs. The campus master plan, for which the university is currently seeking public input, will likely consider how to improve access and safety for all students, staff, and visitors navigating the campus and the surrounding city. The crash on Macandrew Road also adds to ongoing conversations about pedestrian safety in Dunedin. While the details of this specific incident are part of a police matter, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of pedestrians and wheelchair users, particularly at crossings. Similar issues have surfaced in Tacoma, where the Hylebos Bridge repair won the state project of the year award. Community safety is a frequent topic of discussion in a city that has previously seen major protests and public gatherings concerning civic issues.
A future back in motion
The funds raised will allow Ms Stillwell to purchase a new wheelchair, tailored to her needs, and resume her active life. Her work as a volunteer with Girl Guiding New Zealand involves inspiring young girls, a role she can now continue thanks to the public's generosity. This echoes the spirit of service seen across Dunedin, from students honouring fallen soldiers to widespread community volunteering.
Beyond her own studies and volunteering, Ms Stillwell has been active in community outreach, teaching physics workshops to young people. Her ability to continue this work is a direct result of the successful fundraising effort. It’s an example of how community investment in one person can have a ripple effect, benefiting the wider public.
While the experience was traumatic, the overwhelming support has provided a bright spot. With the fundraising goal surpassed, Ms Stillwell can now focus on her recovery and getting back to her studies and community commitments, ensuring she remains a vibrant part of the city’s life. The successful campaign ensures she can continue to be an active member of the University of Otago community and the city at large.
