125 Izzy Dolls for CME125 Project
Stitching Together : the Izzy Doll Initiative Honours the 125th of the Canadian Military Engineers
The story of the Izzy Doll began over 30 years ago with a mother’s talented hands and a son’s compassion. While serving as a Canadian peacekeeper, Master Corporal Mark Isfeld was deeply moved by the sight of children in war-torn regions who had lost everything. He shared a poignant observation with his mother, Carol: “a little girl has lost her doll and a doll has lost her little girl.” Inspired by his words, Carol began creating small dolls for Mark to give to children he met during his peacekeeping missions. These Izzy Dolls soon became symbols of hope and trust.
After Mark tragically lost his life in a mine-clearing mission in 1994, his comrades affectionately named them “Izzy Dolls” and vowed to continue his mission. Today, the Izzy Doll Initiative has blossomed into a global movement with more than 100,000 volunteers, who have stitched millions of dolls for children in over 130 countries, a testament to how one person’s legacy can inspire countless acts of kindness. This map shows known locations where Izzy Dolls have been delivered to date.
A Tribute to Enduring Friendship
As part of the celebrations for the Canadian Military Engineers’ 125th anniversary in 2028, the 125 Izzy Dolls for CME125 legacy project honours the memory of Master Corporal Mark “Izzy” Isfeld. Combat engineers and military engineering associations are teaming up to present 125 numbered Izzy Dolls in framed shadow-box displays to community organizations across Canada—including schools, libraries, community centres, museums, and city halls. These displays are placed in high-visibility public areas to leave a lasting tribute and spark ongoing conversations about service, peacekeeping, and the Izzy Doll tradition.
Because only 125 numbered commemorative displays will be produced and tracked nationwide, requesting an official project number using this formis strictly reserved for members of Canadian Armed Forces CME Units and Military Engineering Associations. Eligible participants include Regular Force units (such as 1 CER, 2 CER, 4 ESR, and 17 Mission Support Squadron), Reserve Engineer Regiments and Squadrons (such as 31, 32, or 33 CER), school establishments like the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (such as CFSME, or RMC), and local CME Association branches. Qualifying units submit their proposed recipient organization and display location to receive an approved number (1 to 125) and their official personalized backing pdf to print.
You do not have to be an Engineer unit to take part in the Izzy Doll CME125 spirit! Our official CME125 knitting and crochet patterns are completely FREE for anyone to download and use. Crafters, families, classrooms, and volunteers across the country are warmly encouraged to make their own CME125 Izzy Dolls to support humanitarian relief, give to local veterans, or share kindness in their own communities.
The map below will be updated to indicate communities which have received an Izzy Doll CME125 Shadow Box. Each tag bears the name of the display location and a photo of the presentation of the Izzy Doll. Remember this project will launch in 2028, so check back often to view the progress!
Join the Legacy
The Izzy Doll Initiative is a testament to how one person’s kindness, born from tragedy, can grow into a global force for good. You can be part of this legacy by getting involved:
- Learn to Make an Izzy Doll: Patterns for both knitted and crocheted Izzy Dolls are available.
- Join Carol’s Angels: This group celebrates knitters who have donated 100 or more Izzy Dolls to the Izzy Doll Initiative.
- Find Drop-Off Locations: See how you can contribute your finished Izzy Dolls to the worldwide distribution effort.
Every Izzy Doll brings a smile to a child’s face, offering comfort and hope where it’s needed most. Join us in honoring Master Corporal Mark Isfeld and his mother, Carol, and help us continue to stitch together peace, one doll at a time.