In this episode of TIPS, Julia Vellucci interviews Peel Regional Police's Detective Constable Ariel Reyes from the Crime Prevention Unit and Manuel Parreira, senior representative for Ontario at the Bank of Canada. Both guests touch on some tips and tricks in identifying counterfeit currency and what to do if you have it. Together they highlight not only how to stay safe both with physical and digital counterfeit currency as well as the dangers of robbery and cybercrime but also how banks and the police work together. This is an eye-opening and educational discussion you're not going to want to miss!

In this episode of TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers, host Julia Vellucci takes the time to discuss World Mental Health Day and what it means to prioritize your mental health and those around you. She chats with Leo Petrilli, a mental health advocate and lived-experience speaker who was a past first responder and someone who does incredible work for The Addictions Academy and Boots on the Ground. Together, they discuss recovery, resilience, and the importance of open dialogue for both first responders and the every day person. Leo shares his personal journey through addiction and mental health challenges, offering insight into how community support and awareness can change lives. Other topics of conversation include the stigma surrounding mental illness, the role of compassion in prevention, and how understanding mental health can help build safer, stronger communities. Additionally, Julia highlights Peel Crime Stoppers First Responders Hot Sauce Challenge Fundraiser that is soon approaching on October 30. Give this educational episode a listen featuring Leo's personal stories that are sure to touch your soul!

In this episode of TIPS, Julia Vellucci interviews Luigi Davoli, who was a senior leader with Mississauga Fire, now serving as a board member at Peel Crime Stoppers. He is a dedicated fire safety professional and brings up the important conversation of recognizing Fire Prevention Week (October 5 - October 11). Luigi shares his expertise on the critical steps individuals and families can take to prevent fires, prepare for emergencies, and respond effectively when seconds count. He highlights the importance of fire prevention education, emergency planning, and community awareness, stressing how small actions such as checking smoke alarms, planning escape routes, and practicing fire drills can save lives. This eye-opening and practical discussion is a reminder that fire safety is everyone’s responsibility, and that knowledge and preparation are the keys to protecting ourselves and our loved ones. Be sure to tune in to this empowering and timely episode!

In this episode of TIPS, Julia Vellucci chats with Jeff Fields, a former law enforcement veteran and a passionate advocate for addiction recovery within the law enforcement community, and Laura Kloosterman, executive director of Badge of Life Canada. Jeff shares his powerful personal journey, offering an honest perspective on the struggles and resilience that come with navigating mental health challenges. Laura brings her professional expertise, highlighting the resources, support systems, and initiatives that Badge of Life Canada provides to first responders and their families. Together, they take listeners on an important conversation about suicide awareness and prevention, emphasizing the need for compassion, understanding, and breaking down stigma. This meaningful dialogue in honour of National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day is a reminder that reaching out can save a life and no one has to face their struggles alone. Be sure to give this impactful and heartfelt episode a listen!

In this episode of TIPS, Julia Vellucci chats with Claudia D’Amico, driving complaint and Road Watch coordinator for Peel Police. Claudia has worked extensively to promote safe driving practices and community engagement, focusing on how education and collective responsibility can reduce preventable collisions and injuries. Claudia takes listeners on a powerful road safety journey now that kids are back in school, highlighting the importance of awareness, mindfulness, and responsibility behind the wheel. This thoughtful conversation serves as a reminder that every choice on the road matters and that safety is a shared responsibility. Be sure to give this meaningful and impactful episode a listen!

In this episode of TIPS, Julia Vellucci chats with Stephanie Cowle, the director of knowledge translation at Parachute. Stephanie has spent over a decade working in the area of injury and trauma prevention. In this role, she leads the analysis and synthesis of research to develop the organization’s evidence-based solutions that advocate and educate. Her experience includes working with government, health, sport, and education stakeholders at national and provincial levels. Stephanie takes listeners on an educational back to school driving safety journey, reminding listeners that injuries are preventable and by driving safely, it can be possible to save a life or prevent an injury. Be sure to give this enticing and valuable episode a listen!

In this episode of TIPS, Julia Vellucci chats with Michael Stewart and Lauren Fisher, who are both from CAA. Michael is CAA's community relations consultant and specializes in distracted driving while Lauren is a manager of government and stakeholder relations for CAA and specializes in school zone safety. Together they take listeners on an educational back-to-school driving safety journey full of tips not just for those parents with kids going back to school but also for drivers, educators, and even pedestrians and cyclists. This is an episode you're not going to want to miss!

In this episode of TIPS, Julia Vellucci chats with Luigi Davoli, who was a senior leader with Mississauga Fire, now serving as a board member at Peel Crime Stoppers. Together they discuss fire safety for students of all ages, including those older students living on their own for the first time. Luigi shares many fire safety tips, emphasizes the importance of a fire safety plan and fire drills as well as discusses the safety requirements under the law both landlords and tenents must fulfill. This is an educational episode full of many vital points regarding your fire safety. Be sure to give it a listen!

In this episode of TIPS, Julia Vellucci chats with Minaz Jivraj, a retired chief security officer of the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board. Together they discuss physical and digital school safety for elementary school, high school, and post-secondary for both international and domestic students. Minaz touches on many important topics such as why having a safety plan is essential, how schools, the student, parents and the community must all work together to ensure the safety of the student, and even leaves listeners with very simple but vital safety advice. Julia concludes this episode by showing the importance of Minaz's safety advice through a personal story. This is an enticing episode full of many tips and things to be aware of to ensure you're keeping yourself or your child safe. Be sure to give it a listen!

In this episode of TIPS, the new host of this podcast, Julia Vellucci, is introduced. She chats with Imran Hasan, the chair of Peel Crime Stoppers. Together they discuss what Crime Stoppers is and does, the anonymity component to it, recent events/activities Crime Stoppers did, and so much more. Julia takes dedicated listeners through an episode that may act as a refresher for them, but for those new listeners, she learns more about Crime Stoppers alongside them. This is an episode you're not going to want to miss!