Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit helps children achieve their full potential through one-to-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies to adopt online alternatives for their mentorship programs and fundraising events. Due to safety concerns, the Great Big Auction – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit’s signature fundraising event – will take place virtually on Aug. 9. In addition to mentoring for children, the Detroit office provides worksite mentoring and a lunch buddies program. The organization uses donations to support more Big Brothers Big Sisters relationships and cover administrative costs. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America was founded in 1904 and has expanded into the largest volunteer-supported mentoring network in the United States. The Detroit office was formed by the merging of five local BBBS organizations in 1974. It currently serves children in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. The office estimates that it serves nearly 1,000 youth every year.
