This week, another parent caught up in the crisis has made headlines and touched the hearts of people all over the world.
Pictures of a Syrian refugee selling pens on the street while carrying his sleeping daughter have struck a chord through social media, prompting a viral fundraising campaign.
The heartbreaking image of the man trying to provide for his family resulted in an overwhelming show of generosity from members of the public, who have raised €45,000 in 15 hours.
Gotten a lot of requests to help this man and his daughter. Anyone know people in Beirut able to locate him? #BuyPens pic.twitter.com/KOz4mjW1rd
— Gissur Simonarson CN (@GissiSim) August 25, 2015
The campaign was orchestrated by Norwegian Twitter user Gissur Simonarson, who raised the money using the hashtag ‘buy pens’.
Not even one full day after launching a crowdfunding page for the man, whose name is Abdul, he received an “overwhelming” response.
Meet Abdul and Reem. They are Syrian Refugees living in Beirut, #Lebanon & need your help! http://t.co/LFyCGjosMB pic.twitter.com/QCNXcCEtYJ
— #BuyPens (@Buy_Pens) August 27, 2015
As well as raising money for Abdul and his family, a member of the public purchased a phone for Abdul so that Gissur can stay in touch with him.
We wish all the best for this family as they struggle to start a new life.
