On April 24th, Lise Galuga, Executive Director of the Izzy Doll Initiative, and Colonel J.T. Galuga, Canadian Defence Attaché to France, presented nine Izzy Doll shadow boxes to local mayors and community leaders to honour the Franco-Canadian friendship with the “80 Izzy Dolls for the 80th” Project.
Holding this event at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial is profoundly meaningful, as the site itself embodies values that resonate deeply with the Izzy Doll Initiative. Vimy stands as Canada’s principal overseas memorial, a solemn tribute to remembrance, sacrifice, and the enduring hope for peace born from conflict. It honours the collective sacrifice of Canadians lost in the First World War. The Izzy Doll Initiative remembers the service and sacrifice of Master Corporal Mark Isfeld and continues his mother Carol’s personal mission of compassion. Both the stone monument and the simple yarn dolls serve as tangible links to the past, ensuring that sacrifices made in the name of peace are never forgotten.
Furthermore, Vimy represents a defining moment where Canadians fought side-by-side, forging a sense of national identity through shared effort and loss. This spirit of unity and collective action mirrors the vast community network that powers the Izzy Doll Initiative. Just as the memorial’s figures symbolize universal values like peace, justice, charity, and hope, each Izzy Doll represents an individual act of kindness and solidarity, reaching out across borders with a message of comfort. Both the imposing memorial, built on land gifted by France in gratitude, and the presentation of these Izzy Doll boxes at this significant site underscore the enduring Franco-Canadian bond, built on shared history and mutual respect. They remind us that from great sacrifice can spring forth powerful legacies of remembrance, peace, and enduring human connection.
The Legacy of a Simple Gesture: The Story of the Izzy Dolls
At the heart of this initiative is the touching story of Master Corporal Mark “Izzy” Isfeld, a Canadian combat engineer who was deployed to peacekeeping missions over 30 years ago. Moved by the sight of an abandoned doll on the rubble of a destroyed house, he wished to bring comfort to child victims of conflict. His mother, Carol Isfeld, then began crocheting small dolls, designed to fit in a uniform pocket. Mark distributed them to children he met in the field, creating moments of joy and trust.
After Mark’s tragic death while on mission in 1994, his mother Carol, supported by Mark’s comrades who named the dolls “Izzy” in his honour, continued this mission. The initiative grew thanks to a vast network of volunteers worldwide. Over 2 million Izzy Dolls have been distributed in more than 130 countries, always given freely, as a tangible symbol of hope and solidarity for children in need.
The “80 for the 80th” Project: A Bridge Between Memory and Future
The presentation of the 80 commemorative Izzy Doll boxes aims to share the story of the Izzy Dolls with new communities. Although linked to the anniversary of the Normandy events, the presentation of these boxes extends to other regions like Hauts-de-France, recognizing the strong historical ties forged during the First World War and the lasting Franco-Canadian friendship.
Each commemorative box, containing an Izzy Doll lovingly made by the Izzy Doll Initiative’s Canadian volunteer network, is intended for display in a public place – town hall, school, media library. It serves as a reminder of Master Corporal Isfeld’s story and his simple message: even the smallest acts of kindness can have an immense impact. We invite recipient municipalities to share Mark and Carol’s story, particularly with young people, and to send us a photo of the installed box to be included on our interactive digital map available here.
Get Involved in the Initiative
We encourage all interested community members to join the Izzy Doll Initiative and download the patterns for making Izzy Dolls available for free on our website.