Stitching Together Peace: the Izzy Doll Initiative Honours D-Day

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.

A Tribute to Enduring Friendship

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the Izzy Doll Initiative, sponsored by the Defence Attaché Office of Canada and the Canadian Military Engineers, launched a special project: “80 Izzy Dolls for the 80th.” The goal was to deliver 80 numbered shadow boxes to communities across France as a tangible symbol of the enduring friendship between our two nations. These shadow boxes, containing dolls crafted by Canadian volunteers, were intended for public display in town halls, schools, and libraries to share Mark Isfeld’s story and perpetuate his legacy.

This initiative served a powerful dual purpose: to remember the historical sacrifices of the past and to reinforce the ongoing commitment to peace and solidarity in the present.

Remarkable Connections Across France

Each shadow box delivered to France wove a unique story, creating new links in the long chain of friendship between Canada and France.

Izzy Doll #1 holds a place of honour at the Embassy of Canada to France in Paris. Mark’s story is being shared with every visitor who stops to sign the official guest book.

Izzy Doll #8 was presented to the commune of Thue et Mue in a particularly moving ceremony. In attendance were two of Master Corporal Mark Isfeld’s former colleagues, Jamie Sinclair and Rob Stevenson, who were present in France for the unveiling of a monument dedicated to the Royal Regina Rifles.

Izzy Doll #10 found a home at La Maison des Canadiens, the first house liberated by Canadian troops arriving by sea on D-Day. La maison des Canadiens proudly displays the Izzy Doll as a part of its collection, where it is often recognized by Canadian visitors.

The project even inspired new acts of kindness. In Bernières-sur-Mer, the presentation of Izzy Doll #36 prompted knitting groups, with the support of the mayor, to form their own “Izzy Doll Club” and donate their creations back to the initiative.

In a powerful display of the project’s educational purpose, mayors from Urville, Cauvicourt, and Gouvix brought their shadow boxes into local classrooms. There, they used the dolls to teach students about empathy, the role of peacekeepers, and how small gestures can create a big impact.

The project culminated with the final Izzy Doll #80, which was presented to the Embassy of France in Ottawa, a perfect tribute to the lasting friendship and shared values that bind the two nations.

This is the CTV News story about the launch of the project. Part of the broader Izzy Doll Initiative, this project commemorates the landings, liberation, and Battle of Normandy, and embodies the spirit of peace and solidarity. The Izzy Doll Initiative, a simple yet profoundly meaningful endeavor, began over 30 years ago by Master Corporal Mark Isfeld, a Canadian combat engineer.

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.