Man Sells Pens On The Streets To Survive. Then A Stranger Snaps This Photo Of His Daughter

#1 The Picture That Changed His Life

A Syrian refugee, Abdul Halim al-Attar was attempting to support his family by selling pens in Beirut, carrying his daughter with him as he did.

His 4-year-old daughter Reem was his only family in with him, his wife having returned to Syria months after they fled. Al-Attar stayed with Reem, deciding Syria was no place for his girl.
#3 A Stranger's Car

But just one picture changed Abdul and his daughter's lives. Gissur Simonarso, a web developer from Norway, started a crowdfunding venture to raise money for the two -- the final amount totaling over $200,000.

#4 Paying It Forward

Al-Attar used the money to open up businesses in Lebanon and, further, he hired refugees to work in them providing livelihoods for people just like him.

#5 A New Life "Not only did my life change, but also the lives of my children and the lives of people in Syria whom I helped." From pen-seller on the streets to entrepreneur and provider, al-Attar is an amazing example of what hope and philanthropy can do for people.