Who We Are
Founded in 2018, Purple Hands is a student-led advocacy group based at Western University, committed to supporting vulnerable and marginalized individuals in London, Ontario—one hand at a time. Launched by Toba Balogun, Jessica Hu, Sparsh Kohli, and Jason Xi, Purple Hands has since engaged over 1,500 students and ignited meaningful action within the community. The group has secured federal funding and forged partnerships with key organizations, including The Salvation Army and the London Homeless Coalition.
Mission
At Purple Hands, we are committed to fighting homelessness in London, Ontario, by bridging the gap between Western students and those experiencing homelessness. Our initiatives focus on fostering connections and understanding.
We encourage students to engage with the community and support individuals in need. Through collaboration and compassion, we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Together, we can work towards a future where homelessness is a thing of the past.
Meet the Founders
Toba Balogun
Founder
BMSc '21
What is your highest and best use? Being conscious of this question is the key to actualizing the changes we want to see in our community. Purple Hands was created for compassionate Western students to come together and provide comfort to people experiencing a season of difficulty. My greatest wish is for us all to experience the overflowing joy that comes with standing up for a cause greater than oneself. Looking forward to meeting you all!
Jason Xi
Co - Founder
BMSc '21
Inspired to create change after a service trip to Ghana is why I am apart of the Purple Hands family. See the change or be the change is what I have always believed. The London community has given me so much and this is my way of giving back. I am all about having fun and spreading kindness. Everyone is welcome and I can't wait to meet you.
Jessica Hu
Co - Founder
Ivey HBA '21
Growing up in Vancouver and having had the chance to volunteer in the Downtown Eastside homeless community, social impact in the poverty alleviation space has always resonated with me. Since day one, our vision at Purple Hands has been to create a tight-knit community of compassionate individuals with a common goal of leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. Whether it's through our meal outreaches, mentorship programs, or Humans of London campaign, I am so proud to be apart of the tremendous growth of this team. If our mission speaks to you, please don't hesitate to reach out, we are always looking to grow our family!
Sparsh Kohli
Co - Founder
BSc '22
I was always taught to be fortunate for what I have, and I never realized how real to life that teaching was until I came to Western and saw first hand how lack of housing and access to welfare can affect families in the city core of London. I became apart of Purple Hands in part because of the opportunities it gave me to make a difference, and in a larger part owing to the Humans of London project I have now helped pioneer. There is no better feeling in the world than being able to not only provide food, water, and hygiene products to those in need, but to also build meaningful relationships with them by taking the time to listen to their powerful life stories. There is no other club at Western that I'd want to be at, and I am excited to share these experiences with you!
Purple Hands Over the Years
This is just a glimpse of those who have supported and continue to support us—not an exhaustive list, but a tribute to the many individuals working behind the scenes to advocate for the London community.
