Parents set standard early for Harmes

Doing chores was something Andrew Harmes did not shy away from as a child. As a matter of fact, he quite enjoyed it.
"I liked helping around the house with mom and cutting the grass with dad," said 18-year-old Andrew.
Looking back at his youth it's easy to see how volunteering has become a part of his life now. His desire to help others, in addition to having parents who volunteered, pretty much set the standard early.
"Both my parents were involved with volunteering through minor hockey ... mom managed a team and my dad was president of the Bedford Minor Hockey Association," said Andrew, who grew up in Bedford, but is now a Truro resident.
Andrew has been a member of the Truro Bearcats of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League for two years, and with the organization, he's found many ways to volunteer in the community.
"We've gone door-to-door getting donations for the food bank ... and participated in minor hockey skates with the children," said Andrew. "I volunteered at a minor hockey development weekend and signed autographs (as a Bearcat) and gave the kids tips on hockey."
Next on his volunteer to-do list is act as an in-school mentor for a child through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Andrew is in the process of becoming a mentor now.
"I enjoy being around younger children because they are so full of energy and excitement," said Andrew.
"There's a satisfaction of helping another person ... seeing other people enjoying themselves makes you feel good about yourself."
Andrew also believes that volunteering at a young age is not only positive for oneself, but for the community and how teenagers are viewed.
"It's always good to give back to the community, especially for us (as Bearcats) because the community has been a huge support by coming out and watching our games," he said. "Community involvement is a huge part of growing up, it benefits everyone. The younger generation respect you and see you are working hard and involved."