Anime Club is a safe and welcoming space for all anime lovers aged 12–15 in Strathmore.

It was initially started by an anonymous post to the I Love Strathmore Facebook page, where Mother Denise Geremia asked if there would be any interest in starting an anime club for kids.

She received positive feedback on the post and decided to start the club, inspired by her daughter's love for anime. 

“My daughter is really into anime, and none of her other friends are into it. So, I decided, let's make a club where kids aged 12–15 can get together, make new friends, and share their passion for anime,” Geremia said in an interview.

When Geremia realized that many community members were interested in the club, she started a private Facebook group for all the parents whose kids were interested in being a part of the club.

Geremia is the owner of Lil Hoots, a children's boutique in Strathmore, and she decided to open her space as the meeting spot for the anime club.

The first anime club meeting took place last Thursday (Jan 11).

Despite the frigid weather that day, there was a solid turnout for the first meeting.

“It was great. We had six kids show up and stay for the whole two hours. Everyone just hung out and discussed their love for anime. New friendships were made, and some even came dressed in cosplay,” Geremia said.

A date has not been determined for the next anime club meeting, but Geremia hopes it can eventually become a weekly or biweekly event.

“Anime is a mindset and it is something these kids are very passionate about. Having a space for them to feel comfortable, love what they want to love, and express themselves freely is important. It is something as parents that we should encourage and help them with,” Geremia said.

If any youth aged 12–15 is interested in being a part of the anime club, please get your parent or guardian to join Strathmore’s Anime Club private Facebook group, where information regarding meetups and locations will be discussed.

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