Collingwood resident Justin McCoy is on the mend after receiving a heart transplant but his medical costs still remain.

The 17-year-old underwent surgery in March at Toronto General Hospital.  In April, a four-member committee was formed to help parents Lori and Carl McCoy, deal with the costs - which to date are more than $8,000 and climbing.

Committee member Catherine Sholtz said they put out a call for donations and a number of local residents stepped in to help.

Collingwood paramedic Scott Leal is organizing a benefit dance for the McCoy's at the Royal Canadian Legion on Fri., May. 23 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Music for the event - tickets are $10 - will be provided by well-known local DJ Lenny Sheffield. For more information call 445-0114.

This event comes on the heels of a fundraising event at the Admirals Post Pub, which raised more than $5,700 for the McCoy's.

Sholtz said the event, which was organized by staff member Susie Kerby, featured a silent auction, musical performance and saw all staff members donate a portion of their wages and tips for the day.

"Justin was at the event," Sholtz said. "They did an absolutely wonderful job."

Sholtz said the campaign is still going on. She said they have received personal donations but are looking to raise as much as they can.

"We are still a little ways off," she said.

Anyone wishing to support the McCoy family can do so by contacting Sholtz. Cheques can be made payable to Justin McCoy and mailed to: 4-115 First St., Suite 513,  Collingwood, ON, L9Y 4W3.