125 Izzy Dolls for CME125 Project

Stitching Together : the Izzy Doll Initiative Honours the 125th of the Canadian Military Engineers

L'histoire de la poupée Izzy a commencé il y a plus de 30 ans, grâce aux mains talentueuses d'une mère et à la compassion d'un fils. Servant comme Casque bleu canadien, le Caporal-chef Mark Isfeld a été profondément touché par la situation des enfants qui avaient tout perdu dans les régions déchirées par la guerre. Il a fait part d'une observation poignante à sa mère, Carol : « Une petite fille a perdu sa poupée et une poupée a perdu sa petite fille. » Inspirée par ses mots, Carol a commencé à créer de petites poupées que Mark pouvait donner aux enfants qu'il rencontrait lors de ses missions de maintien de la paix. Ces poupées Izzy sont rapidement devenues des symboles d'espoir et de confiance.

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.

Un hommage à l'amitié éternelle.

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.