Article by: MWO Clint Orr, MMM, MMV, CD, CTECH
3 Canadian Division HQ, DIV ENG MWO
On 21 June 1994, two anti-personnel mines detonated near Kakma, Croatia. Three soldiers conducting a mine-clearing operation were seriously wounded in the blast. Amid the chaos, the remaining soldiers undertook the extremely dangerous task of clearing a path through the mine-infested ground to provide first aid and extract the casualties. Tragically, one of the wounded soldiers later succumbed to his injuries. That soldier was Master Corporal “Izzy” Isfeld.
MCpl Isfeld risked his life to help those in need, and even amid the heaviness of war, he always made time for those affected by it. The Izzy Doll—named by his troop after his death—was inspired by his compassion for the children of war. While deployed in Croatia, MCpl Isfeld was moved after seeing a child’s doll lying atop a pile of rubble. Wanting to bring comfort to children caught in conflict, he asked his mother, Carol, to knit dolls that he could distribute in war-torn areas.
Following his death, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment continued delivering Izzy Dolls in theatre to honour their fallen brother. Their time in Croatia would not be in vain; the legacy project endured, bringing attention to the suffering and hardship faced by children in conflict zones.
Fast forward 30 years—and more than two million Izzy Dolls later.
On 15 December 2024, sappers from 1 Combat Engineer Regiment and Operation UNIFIER’s Engineer Training Element (ETE) visited children at a Ukrainian refugee centre in Poland to deliver Izzy Dolls. The dolls came in all shapes, colours, and sizes. Many of the children immediately hugged them, playing with their movable arms and legs, bringing the simple yarn creations to life.
The Officer Commanding the ETE, Captain Eric Sherwood, was present to hand out the dolls. Reflecting on the experience, he shared:
“It’s heartwarming to see the smiles and cheers from the children as they each receive a doll. As an Engineer, it’s an honour to carry on this brilliant effort with the support of all the doll makers back home in Canada. It’s a simple act, but one that provides a moment of relief from the suffering these children have endured.”
With the support of the Unit Family Support Services (FSS), Shirley O’Connell, The Izzy Doll Initiative and the countless dedicated volunteers, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment delivered over 150 Izzy Dolls during their deployment. While 1 CER represents just one part of this larger-than-life movement, wherever the regiment deploys in the future - and whoever leads the way - we will proudly continue the legacy of Master Corporal “Izzy” Isfeld, the soldier who collected little smiles, little handshakes, and little hearts.
CHIMO!
Also see: Engineering Hope: 1 Combat Engineer Regiment Continues Mark Isfeld’s Legacy in Poland
Voir aussi: https://izzydoll.org/fr/news/combat-engineers-continue-mark-isfelds-legacy-in-poland/
Notes:
Decorations Received for actions on action on 21 June 1994
| Medal of Bravery | Sapper Stacy Merriam |
| Mention-in-Dispatches | LS Stephen Birks Cpl Glenn King Pte James Sinclair |
| Meritorious Service Medal (Military) | Sgt Paul McMillan |
| Meritorious Service Medal (Civil) | Carol Isfeld Brian Isfeld |
Works Cited
Recognition, D. 0. (2005). Mention-in-Dispatches. In C. C. Surgeon Commander John Blatherwick.
The Governor General of Canada. (1996). Retrieved from Decorations for Bravery: https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/121-54949#:~:text=Medal%20of%20….
The Governor General of Canada. (1996). Retrieved from Meritorius Service Decorations: https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/recipients/139-132
Wheaton, P. (2011). In the Mood for Peace: The Story of the Izzy Doll. In P. Wheaton.