by Rebecca Hannant
Preston is set to be taken over by a colourful collection of knitted dolls this month, thanks to a heartwarming initiative by the local Women’s Institute.
Known as Izzy Dolls, these small, hand-knitted figures will be hidden in and around the village throughout the month as part of a random act of kindness organised by Preston WI. A total of 131 dolls will be placed in easy-to-spot locations for children and residents to discover during the school summer holidays.
Izzy Dolls originated in Canada, created by the mother of Master Corporal Mark “Izzy” Isfeld, a Canadian combat engineer who was killed by a landmine in war-torn Croatia in 1994 at the age of 31. In his memory, she began knitting dolls to distribute to children affected by conflict. The concept soon became a symbol of kindness – Izzy Dolls cannot be bought or sold; they are intended to be given freely as a caring gesture.
Preston WI president Linda McGowan said: “These have all been lovingly knitted by our clever and inspired ladies. Everyone is different, appealing and designed to bring a smile to a child’s face – for them to keep and cherish as a pocket pal.”
WI Secretary Mary Wood added: “It is an idea which captivated my imagination, having seen that these dolls have become a trend in this country, with many groups of ladies doing just as we are – hoping to bring joy to each lucky finder. Once the suggestion was pitched, our ladies quickly embraced the idea and over a three-month period they have managed to produce well over one hundred dolls to be hidden in the village during August. We cannot thank our knitters enough for making this caring gesture possible.”
Preston WI members will also be at the Nags Head Family Show Day on Saturday, August 9, where they will be running their cake stall and popular human fruit machine. Izzy Dolls will be hidden around the village on the day and throughout the rest of the month.