Pollard was unlicenced when he hit Minnell near the Red Lion Inn on Anzac Parade. He appeared in Whanganui District Court on Tuesday charged with one count of committing grievous bodily harm and one of driving while disqualified.
Pollard did not enter a plea at the hearing and was remanded on bail until November 15.
On the Givealittle page Johnson described her friend as "the kind of mate that is always happy to see you, loves to joke around and you never see him without a smile on his face".
Minnell's mum Cathy told the Herald this week she was relieved her son, who she affectionately called Jess, was recovering "better than expected".
"We are overwhelmed by the support from family and friends, but obviously our main focus is Jesse," she said.
Anyone wanting to donate to Minnell's recovery can do so at: givealittle.co.nz/cause/theminnellfamily#