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 2022, 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 children our partner serves.
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 lead charity partner
- Deployed to BridgeNorth and additional GTA charity partners
- Expanded event portfolio beyond golf
BridgeNorth.
BridgeNorth works with survivors of trafficking across the GTA — running safe homes, trauma-informed programs, and survivor-led advocacy. They return as our 2026 lead partner, alongside additional local GTA charities.
100% of net proceeds from 2026 events flow to BridgeNorth and supporting charity partners.Pauline & Eric Rodriguez.
The Rodriguezes founded DFC in 2022 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.ca 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 the frontline work against child trafficking. Tax receipts for eligible portions are issued by our charity partner, BridgeNorth. Contact Pauline at pauline@drivingforchange.ca with specific questions.
Where do the funds actually go?
100% of net proceeds — all revenue after hard event costs (venue, food, printing, compliance) — flow directly to our charity partners — BridgeNorth as lead, alongside additional local GTA charities. BridgeNorth allocates across prevention, rescue, and long-term care programs. Annual financials are available on request.
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.ca). Tax receipts for eligible donations are issued through BridgeNorth, our charity partner.
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.ca to start a conversation.
Find your way in.
Play. Sponsor. Volunteer. Donate. However you show up, it ends up in the same place.