We have come a long way since our launch on September 3, 2008. Just one year ago, we started revolutionizing the way Canadian consumers trade goods and services online when Swapsity unveiled its innovative bartering community. Our membership grew swiftly, items got swapped and recycled while members built valuable barter relationships. Fueled by member enthusiasm and success, we continued building the site into a vibrant bartering community, keeping Canadian's proactively green, while leaving money in their pockets.

Once the site got going, the swap ideas and events just got better. We hosted a Halloween costume swap, Green Gifting during Christmas, Barter in the Art World and eventually opened Swapsity to Canadians in BC. Throughout the year, we also added upgrades to the site to enhance and streamline the user experience while preserving the original green, community-based spirit. Members created, joined and customized swap groups, students exchanged textbooks, neighbours traded household items and entrepreneurs bartered services in order to grow their business.

In a time of economic recession, our efforts definitely did not go unnoticed. Swapsity gained media attention from the Business News Network, the Toronto Star, David Suzuki Foundation and several Canadian blogs. It's no surprise either, that there have been some amazing swaps done all through the site. Among the notable swaps, a member scored a sweet deal with a cottage swap when she exchanged four nights at her Blue Mountain chalet for a summer getaway up North. Her family loved it and she's excited to continue swapping for more vacation time with other cottage owners!  One eager swapper bartered kitchen renovations for a car and vouched that she would love to do it again. Another took the time to list all of her marketable skills on Swapsity and soon enough, she closed a swap deal with a professional organizer. She is now helping to grow his business and customer base while he helps her downsize, de-clutter and organize her home. In our experience, every swapper who closes a successful barter deal realizes that it pays off to be proactive in the community.

Finally, we capped our first year off with a Swap Meet last Saturday. What an eventful year it has been! Without our members, it would never have been possible. Your support, participation and enthusiasm has driven Swapsity since the beginning. Some exciting ideas are already being planned out for this year. Stay tuned and we hope you enjoy a coming year of swapping success.