A community, a tournament, a mission.
Driving For Change is a community fundraiser built around an annual charity golf tournament — and a growing portfolio of events beyond it.
It started on a fairway.
In 2023, Pauline & Eric Rodriguez founded DFC on a simple bet: the GTA business community would show up for a golf tournament if the cause was real and the day was well run.
2023 raised $37K. 2024 raised $123K. 2025 raised $152K at our new home, Royal Woodbine, with BridgeNorth as charity partner. $312K total since 2023.
Four years, one direction.
From a first tournament at Cardinal to a sold-out 2025 at Royal Woodbine, we've grown deliberately — and kept every dollar accountable to the communities our charity partners serve.
The foundation.
Inaugural tournament at Cardinal Golf Club. Partnership locked.
- Charity partner: Little Footprints Big Steps
- First 100 supporters through the door
- 1st annual tournament
Accelerating change.
Exceeded the annual goal. Doubled the room.
- 2nd annual tournament
- 150 tournament participants
- Expanded corporate sponsor roster
- Concluded partnership with Little Footprints Big Steps
Building momentum.
3rd annual tournament — sold out at Royal Woodbine. $152K raised.
- New home: Royal Woodbine Golf Club
- New charity partner: BridgeNorth
- 30+ corporate partners on board
Looking forward.
Our 4th annual tournament — plus the groundwork for more.
- BridgeNorth returns as a charity partner
- Introducing the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women as our new charity partner, with proceeds shared between both organizations
- Growing our impact through an expanded portfolio of fundraising events beyond golf
BridgeNorth & Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women.
Our 2026 charity partners are BridgeNorth and the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women. Together, these organizations provide critical support to survivors of trafficking, women in need, and vulnerable individuals across the GTA through safe housing, trauma-informed programming, advocacy, education, and community-based support services.
100% of net proceeds from 2026 events flow to BridgeNorth and Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women (EHCW).Pauline & Eric Rodriguez.
The Rodriguez’ founded DFC in 2023 and still run every tournament themselves, alongside a small volunteer crew.
Runs sponsorships, event operations, and the charity partnership. She's the person you'll actually hear back from when you reach out.
Drives sponsorship outreach alongside Pauline and runs tournament-day operations — venue coordination, logistics, and feeding 150 golfers plus dinner guests on the same day.
Questions, answered.
Anything else on your mind? Reach us at info@drivingforchange.com or (416) 409-3738.
Is Driving For Change a registered charity?
No. DFC is a community fundraiser — a small volunteer team that organizes the annual tournament (our flagship, with more events in the works) and routes every net dollar to registered Canadian charities doing frontline work against child trafficking and supporting vulnerable community members. Tax receipts for eligible portions are issued by our charity recipients, BridgeNorth and Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women (EHCW). Contact Pauline at pauline@drivingforchange.com with specific questions.
Where do the funds actually go?
100% of net proceeds — all revenue remaining after hard event costs (venue, food, printing, and compliance) — will support BridgeNorth and Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women (EHCW).
At BridgeNorth, donations fund youth prevention and intervention programs, public education, and advocacy efforts that help protect young people from sexual exploitation and trafficking and support those who have been impacted. EHCW extends the 2026 impact through community-based support for women and vulnerable individuals across the GTA.
Why golf?
Because the audience is already in the room. Business owners, executives, and community leaders show up for a day of golf in ways they wouldn't for a traditional fundraising ask — and they bring their networks. Golf is the vehicle; community is the engine.
Are you expanding beyond golf?
Possibly. The tournament remains our flagship, and we're always open to expanding when the right opportunity comes up.
Can I support DFC without attending an event?
Absolutely. Direct donations are accepted year-round via Interac e-Transfer (info@drivingforchange.com). Tax receipts for eligible donations are issued through our charity recipients, BridgeNorth and Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women (EHCW).
How can my company get involved?
Sponsor a tier (Title / Platinum / Gold / Hole), donate an auction prize, send your team to play, or build a custom in-kind partnership. Email pauline@drivingforchange.com to start a conversation.
Find your way in.
Play. Sponsor. Volunteer. Donate. However you show up, it ends up in the same place.