80 Izzy Dolls for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day Project

In honour of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the Defence Attaché Office of Canada in France and the Canadian Military Engineers offered 80 Izzy doll shadow boxes to communities in France as a tangible symbol of the enduring friendship between Canada and France.

As we remember the sacrifices made on D-Day, it is equally important to acknowledge Canada’s unwavering commitment to global peace and security in the decades that followed. The memorials and cemeteries throughout France that honour the Canadians who fought valiantly here serve as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom. In the aftermath of World War II, Canada, alongside France and other allies, vowed to prevent such devastation from ever occurring again. This commitment manifested in our active participation in numerous peacekeeping missions around the world.

Since 1947, Canada has consistently ranked among the top troop contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations. From the tense demilitarized zones of Korea to the war-torn landscapes of the Congo and the Balkans, Canadian peacekeepers have played a vital role in restoring stability, protecting civilians, and facilitating reconciliation.

One of the most heartwarming symbols of Canada’s peacekeeping efforts is the Izzy Doll. Over two million of these small crocheted and knitted dolls, hand-crafted with the care of an entire community of volunteers, have been gifted to children as a gesture of comfort and hope by Canadian peacekeepers like MCpl Isfeld. The Izzy Dolls continue to be a cherished symbol of peace-building, a testament to the human connection forged between peacekeepers and the communities they serve.

The Izzy Dolls are presented to these communities is a symbol of enduring hope, a testament to the unwavering partnership between Canada and France. It is, in effect, a promise to continue working together for a world where peace prevails, where the sacrifices of heroes like Master Corporal Isfeld are never forgotten.

Communities are encouraged to display the Izzy Doll Shadow Box in a public place where all would be able to scan the QR codes and learn about the story behind the Izzy Doll. 

This is the map of communities which have received an Izzy Doll Shadow Box. Each tag bears the name of the community and a photo of the presentation of the Izzy Doll to the mayor.

This is the CTV News story about the launch of the project.

This is the English-language project presentation slides used to launch this project.

This is the French-language project presentation slides used to launch this project.

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