“Match to Live” Exhibition by the Russian Red Cross has opened at the Hermitage Garden in Moscow. The exhibition traces the development of the blood donation movement in the country, from the first successful blood transfusion in the 19th century to modern programs promoting blood and bone marrow donation. The exhibition is open until 30 June.
The exhibition introduces visitors to the key stages in the development of blood donation in Russia, the contribution of doctors in the development of blood donation, and the role of the Russian Red Cross in promoting voluntary blood donation. A separate section of the exhibition focuses on the development of blood donation during the Soviet era and the heroic deeds of donors during the Great Patriotic War, when millions of citizens donated blood to save wounded soldiers and civilians.
The display stands also feature information on the modern donor movement, the importance of regular blood and blood component donation, the development of the Federal Bone Marrow Donor Register, and the ways in which everyone can contribute to saving lives.
The exhibition has been organized by the Russian Red Cross as part of the “Marathon of Kindness” project implemented with the support of a grant from the Mayor of Moscow. Since the start of 2026, volunteers and staff of the Russian Red Cross have been giving talks at higher education institutions in the capital, explaining the ins and outs of blood and bone marrow donation in a simple and accessible way. A key event of the project will be a charity run in Izmailovsky Park of Culture and Leisure on World Blood Donor Day 14 June, during which anyone who wants will be able to join the Federal Bone Marrow Donor Register.
