Fixing the Future: Our Strategic Alliance with Arusha and the Repair Exchange

In a world that often tells us to buy new, our strategic alliance with the Arusha Centre is a refreshing reminder that the best things in life are often the ones we’ve cared for, repaired, and kept in motion.

The Arusha Centre is a staple of Calgary’s grassroots community. They act as a hub for social, environmental, and economic justice, supporting dozens of local initiatives. One of their most impactful programs is the Repair Exchange, where skilled volunteers help neighbors fix everything from electronics to—you guessed it—bicycles.

Arusha’s Repair Exchange highlights the circular economy in action. While the swap is about finding a bike a new home, the Arusha Centre and their Repair Exchange program are about making sure those bikes—and many other household items—stay in use as long as possible. It aligns perfectly with our mission: keeping bikes on the road and out of the landfill. By sharing skills and tools, we both help build a more resilient Calgary where waste is a word of the past.

One of our proudest moments in this alliance by being invited by both the Arusha Centre and the City of Calgary to participate in the Mayor’s Expo. Being recognized at this level isn’t just an honour for us; it’s a validation of the circular economy. We were thrilled to showcase how community-led repair and reuse initiatives are vital to Calgary’s sustainable future.

Arusha is truly a non-profit’s non-profit. They understand that we are stronger together. Their ability to connect grassroots organizations with city leadership—like they did at the Mayor’s Expo—is invaluable. We appreciate their wisdom, their inclusive spirit, and their commitment to a fix-it culture.

Don’t toss it—fix it! Keep an eye out for the next Repair Exchange hosted by Arusha. And if you’re looking for a bike that’s built to last (and easy to repair), we’ll see you at our next swap.