The conditions of this Agreement, Release, and Waiver of Liability (the “Release”) are agreed upon by the Volunteer (he/she who signs this document). The terms of the Release are in favor of Habitat for Humanity Buffalo, Inc. (Habitat Buffalo), Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. and any other Habitat for Humanity affiliated organization, and their respective affiliates, directors, officers, trustees, employees, sponsors, donors, volunteers and agents (collectively, the “Released Parties”). Please read the following statement carefully before signing.
I, the Volunteer, desire to work as a volunteer for one or more of the Released Parties without compensation and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer. I understand that my activities may include but are not limited to the following: working at Habitat for Humanity offices and worksites; working in or for Habitat for Humanity ReStore operations; loading and unloading materials; traveling to and from work sites; consuming food available or provided; living in housing provided for volunteers; assisting in disaster relief areas; constructing and rehabilitating residential buildings; other construction-related activities; and other volunteer activities (“Activities”).
I, the Volunteer, understand that my Activities may include work that may be hazardous to me, including, but not limited to, exposure to lead, asbestos, and mold, which may cause or worsen certain illnesses, especially if I do not wear protective equipment, am exposed for extended periods of time, or have a pre-existing immune system deficiency.
I also understand there is some inherent risk in consuming local foods, and working and living in local accommodations. I further understand I may be traveling to and from locations where there is a risk of criminal activities, inclement weather, and/or other circumstances that could threaten my health or safety.
I, the Volunteer, hereby freely, voluntarily and without duress execute this Release under the following terms:
Release and Waiver: I, the Volunteer, hereby release and hold harmless the Released Parties and their successors from any and all liability, claims, demands, costs, and damages, whether arising from tort, contract, or otherwise, which may hereinafter accrue, arise from, or are in any way related to my Activities with any of the Released Parties. This includes, but is not limited to, personal injury, bodily injury, illness, property damage, loss, or death, whether caused wholly or in part by the simple negligence, fault or other misconduct of any of the Released Parties or of other volunteers, other than their intentional or grossly negligent conduct.
I understand and acknowledge that by signing this Release I knowingly assume the risk of injury, harm, damage, and loss associated with the Activities. I also understand that the Released Parties do not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health or disability insurance in the event of injury, illness, death, or property damage.
I understand and acknowledge that children under the age of 16 are not allowed on Habitat Buffalo worksites while construction is in progress. While minors between the ages of 16 and 18 may be allowed to participate in some types of construction work, I understand that using power tools, excavation, demolition, working on rooftops, and similar activities are not permitted for anyone under the age of 18. I agree it is my responsibility to communicate these requirements to any of my minor children who will attend and/or participate in the Activities.
Consent to Transportation and Medical Treatment: I consent to the use of first aid treatment as directed by manufacturer labels, whether administered by the Released Parties or first aid personnel. I also authorize the Released Parties to arrange for transportation of me as deemed necessary and appropriate in their discretion. I, the Volunteer, do hereby release, forever discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties from any liability, claim, demand, and action whatsoever brought by me or on my behalf which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any transportation, first aid, assessment, care, treatment, response or service rendered in connection with my Activities with any of the Released Parties.
If the Volunteer is less than 18 years of age, the parent(s) having legal custody and/or the legal guardian(s) of the Volunteer also hereby release, forever discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties from any liability, claim, demand and action whatsoever brought by such volunteer or on his/her behalf which arises or may hereafter arise on account of the decision by any representative or agent of the Released Parties to exercise the power to administer first aid as set forth in the Parental Authorization for Treatment of, and Travel With, a Minor Child.
Insurance: I understand that, except as otherwise agreed to by the Released Parties in writing, the Released Parties are under no obligation to provide, carry or maintain health, medical, travel, disability, or other insurance coverage for any Volunteer. Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own health, medical, travel, disability, or other insurance coverage. I understand that I am and remain responsible for payment of such hospital, physician, ambulance, dental, medical or other services obtained for me or my child. I agree that the Released Parties do not assume any responsibility for the payment of such fees or expenses which may be incurred. If I have health insurance, I understand my personal health insurance is my primary coverage.
Confidentiality: I agree that in the course of my participation in the Activities, I may have access to personal information of other persons. I agree to maintain the confidentiality of such information, to use such information only as necessary to do my job as a volunteer, and to comply with Habitat Buffalo’s applicable policies regarding such information.
Photographic/Recording Release: I hereby grant and convey unto the Released Parties all right, title, and interest in any and all photographs and video/audio/electronic recordings of me, including as to my name, image and voice, made by or on behalf of any of the Released Parties during my Activities with the Released Parties, including, but not limited to, the right to use such materials for any purpose and to any royalties, proceeds or other benefits derived from them. I understand that I will not have any ownership, interest in, or to such photographs, images and/or recordings, I have not been provided or promised any compensation to me, and I hereby waive any rights, privileges or claims based on any right of publicity, privacy, ownership or any other rights arising, relating to or resulting from the photographs, images and/or recordings. I understand and agree that this paragraph also applies to my minor child(ren) who are volunteering.
Other: I expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by state law. I further agree that in the event any clause or provision of this Release is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining clauses or provisions of this Release, which shall continue to be enforceable. Further, a waiver of a right under this Release by a Released Party does not prevent the exercise of any other right.
I have carefully considered my decision, the benefits, and risks involved and hereby give my informed consent to participate in all volunteer Activities. I have read and understand this Agreement, Release, and Waiver of Liability, any questions of mine have been answered, and I voluntarily agree to the above provisions. It is my intent to bind my heirs, next of kin, assigns, and legal representative.
For Volunteers under 18 years of age:
All parents and/or legal guardians must complete both sections below. If only one parent or guardian signs these forms on behalf of a Volunteer who is under 18 years of age, then the undersigned parent or guardian of the Volunteer hereby covenants, warrants, represents, and agrees that (s)he is executing these forms on behalf of, and as an agent for, any other parent or guardian of the Volunteer, that (s)he is fully authorized to do so, and that by executing such Release and Parental Authorization, the undersigned is binding himself/herself, the Volunteer, and any other parent or guardian of the Volunteer, and all of their heirs, next of kin, assigns, and legal representatives to such Release and Parental Authorization.
Section I:
I have carefully considered my decision, the benefits and risks involved and hereby give my informed consent, on behalf of the above listed minor child, for him/her to participate in all Activities as set forth in the above Volunteer Agreement, Release and Waiver of Liability, and such terms are incorporated herein. I have read and understand the above Volunteer Agreement, Release and Waiver of Liability, any questions of mine have been answered, and I voluntarily agree to all such provisions. It is my intent to bind my and the minor Volunteer’s heirs, next of kin, assigns, and legal representatives.
Section II: Parental Authorization for Treatment of a Minor Child
I am the parent or legal guardian having custody of a child who is under 18 years old and who will be volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Buffalo, Inc. I hereby authorize and appoint Habitat for Humanity Buffalo Staff, in whose care the minor child has been entrusted, and any agent or employee of Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. if necessary or appropriate, as my agent to act for me with respect to my minor child and his/her personal care, and in my name in any way I could act in person to make any and all decisions for me with respect to my child listed above (“child”).
I consent to the use of first aid treatment for my child as directed by manufacturer labels, to be administered by Habitat for Humanity Buffalo, Inc. or first aid personnel.
I consent for my minor child to serve as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Buffalo, Inc. I understand my child will help to construct/rehabilitate houses, and will participate in other activities on a voluntary basis, without compensation, as further set forth in the Volunteer Agreement, Release and Waiver of Liability, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference.
I have read and understand the above Parental Authorization for Treatment of a Minor Child, any questions of mine have been answered, and I voluntarily agree to all such provisions.