Brian Lynthor Isfeld, M.S.M., C.D., Courtenay, British Columbia
Carol Margaret Isfeld, M.S.M., Courtenay, British Columbia
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)
In 1994, Brian and Carol Isfeld’s son, MCpl Mark Isfeld, was killed in Croatia while carrying out UN peacekeeping duties. Before her son’s death, Mrs. Isfeld would knit woollen dolls for her son to distribute to destitute children in the former Yugoslavia. To honour their son’s memory, the Isfelds continue to this day to craft, ship and promote the delivery of the nicknamed ‘Izzy’ dolls to Canadian soldiers. They, in turn, give them to orphaned and vulnerable children in war-torn regions around the world. Through their generosity and compassion, Mr. and Mrs. Isfeld have kept this tradition alive while alleviating the suffering of children.