Giving Tuesday Non-Profit Spotlight: Big Brother Big Sisters of the Western Upper Peninsula – U.P. Kids

Big Brothers Big sisters in the western Upper Peninsula provides opportunities for kids to experience and learn from role models. The national program has had a local western Upper Peninsula chapter during the past decade-plus years. Many may be familiar with the group’s most known role model program that pairs a child with a community mentor. A second program that the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western Upper Peninsula includes high-five mentoring, where the organization has partnered with local schools to pair elementary kids with high school students serving as big brothers.

“So every single dollar that is raised through Giving Tuesday goes directly into our services and programs. SO every child that is matched to a mentor is supported by every donation. This year we are finally back to pre-pandemic numbers for children served. This fall we’ve served 250 students with mentoring. And that does not include the number of High school mentors that are a part of our programs. Who is also benefitting from the experience? When we match a kid and a mentor we don’t just say here you go. We provide support and help guide those relationships. We have outcome-based plans for every child that is in our program to focus on those positive things that we can make happen for these young people.” – Maggie Munch, Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters – Western Upper Peninsula

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western Upper Peninsula Program Director Maggie Munch says that Giving Tuesday has been a great addition to the non-profit community’s calendar because it means that the 30 non-profits can stand side by side. Rather than at other times of the year when organizations are competing for the attention of residents and friends of the copper country to raise funds for their respective causes.

“A motto of Big Brothers Big Sisters is Bigger Together. And this partnership with the community foundation and with all of the other non-profits that are a part of this. We are bigger together. We have a much louder voice when we are standing together shouting out to the community. And it’s been huge for Big Brothers Big Sisters and awareness in that the foundation is set up with such a wonderful network of partnerships beyond just the non-profits. They are connected everywhere and they have made that voice louder. It makes it a fun atmosphere to do fundraising; we’re not competing against each other. We’re just standing side by side.” – Maggie Munch, Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters – Western Upper Peninsula

Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation last year raised over 650,000 dollars from individuals in the community and from friends of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Annually the foundation has provided a match sum to add to the day of giving’s total. Adding up to over 2.7 million dollars spread throughout the copper country over the past six years. Find more information about Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation here and more about Big Brothers Big Sisters – Western Upper Peninsula here.