The Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan has given care and shelter to thousands of displaced families and individuals running from violence and civil war in Syria.

Within the camp, the Red Cross Red Crescent hospital has been a beacon of hope for many in need, operating as a unique joint operation between Canadian, Finnish, German and Norwegian Red Cross Societies working under the umbrella of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The camp itself offers refuge to upwards of 130,000 people, with the hospital largely providing care to pregnant women and children. The hospital, on average, delivered one baby each day and nearly a quarter of its 560 patients have been children under the age of five. Canadian Red Cross Delegate Marcel McIntyre  was deployed to the Azraq Refugee Camp as a technician for just over four months in May 2014.

Upon his return to Canada, McIntyre was able to bring back a piece of history in the form of a Red Cross flag that flew at the gate of the hospital. The flag now hangs in his garage as a reminder of the important work accomplished at the Azraq Refugee Camp.

"It reminds me of the people of Jordan and Syria, how harsh and difficult conditions are there but also how resilient the people are and of the great friendships I made there."

“It reminds me of the people of Jordan and Syria, how harsh and difficult conditions are there but also how resilient the people are and of the great friendships I made there,” he said. “The local people were really fantastic. I am proud and honoured to have been a part of the mission to Jordan to provide healthcare for the Syrian refugees in the Azraq camp.”

In his time at the camp in Jordan, McIntyre worked with the local team responsible for the construction of the hospital, helping install water and fuel tanks, plumbing, electrical, fencing, signage, painting and all other technical duties to get the hospital up and running.