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.
This project, part of the broader Izzy Doll Initiative, 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.
During a peacekeeping mission, MCpl Isfeld witnessed the devastation of war and sought to bring comfort to affected children. After seeing a torn doll in the rubble of a bombed house, he asked his mother, Carol, a skilled crocheter, to create small dolls, approximately 15 centimeters tall, which he could distribute. These dolls became a symbol of hope and trust, fostering human connection in war-torn regions.
Tragically, MCpl Isfeld lost his life in Croatia on June 21, 1994, during a mine-clearing mission with the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment. In his memory, his comrades named the dolls “Izzy dolls,” and his mother continued to create them, a tradition now sustained by over 174,000 volunteers worldwide. Millions of Izzy dolls have been distributed in over 130 countries, including recent efforts in Ukraine and the Middle East, thanks to the Canadian Armed Forces and numerous charitable organizations.
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 in shadow boxes as 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.
The Izzy Doll shadow boxes, made by Canadian volunteers, are intended for public display in locations such as town halls, schools, and media libraries, encouraging communities to share MCpl Isfeld’s story and perpetuate his legacy.
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 initiative serves as a message to youth, symbolizing the lasting friendship between Canada and France and the shared commitment to peace and compassion. It highlights the impact of small gestures and the importance of remembering the sacrifices of soldiers. The project acknowledges the thousands of volunteers who keep MCpl Isfeld’s memory alive and aims to foster essential conversations about peace and solidarity with younger generations.
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.