(The “Volunteer”) in favor of Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, and Habitat for Humanity for Georgetown County, South Carolina Inc., a nonprofit corporation, their directors, officers, employees, and agents (collectively, “Habitat”). The Volunteer desires to work as a volunteer for Habitat and engage in the activities related to being a volunteer (the “Activities”). The Volunteer understands that the Activities may include constructing and rehabilitating residential buildings, working in the Habitat offices, working at the ReStore, consuming food available or provided, assisting in disaster relief areas and living in housing provided for volunteers of Habitat.
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.
The Volunteer hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress executes this Release under the following terms:
1. Release and Waiver. Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless Habitat and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat.
2. Volunteer understands that this Release discharges Habitat from any liability or claim that the Volunteer may have against Habitat with respect to any bodily injury, illness including COVID-19 (See Addendum A), death, or property damage that may result from Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat, whether caused by the negligence of Habitat or its officers, directors, employees, other volunteers, agents or otherwise. Volunteer also understands that Habitat does 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 or illness, including COVID-19 (See Addendum A).
3. It is a South Carolina insurance policy that children under the age of 16 are not allowed on HFH Georgetown work sites while power tools are in use. Though it is further the policy of HFH Georgetown that minors between the ages of 16 and 18 are allowed to participate in construction work, the use of power tools, tools for excavation, demolition, working on rooftops and similar activities are not permitted for any volunteer under the age of 18.
4. Medical Treatment. Volunteer does hereby release and forever discharge Habitat from any claim OVER whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat.
5. Assumption of the Risk. The Volunteer understands that the Activities include work that may be hazardous to the Volunteer, including, but not limited to, construction, loading and unloading, and transportation to and from the work sites. Volunteer hereby expressly and specifically assumes the risk of injury or harm in the Activities and releases Habitat for all liability for injury, illness, death, or property damage resulting from the Activities.
6. Insurance. The Volunteer understands that, except as otherwise agreed to by Habitat in writing, Habitat does not carry or maintain health, medical, or disability insurance coverage for any Volunteer. Each Volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his or her own medical or health insurance coverage.
7. Photographic Release. Volunteer does Hereby grant and convey unto Habitat all rights, title, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by Habitat during the Volunteer’s Activities with Habitat, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings.
8. Other. Volunteer expressly agrees that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of South Carolina, and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of South Carolina. Volunteer agrees that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release which shall continue to be enforceable.
Release and Waiver. I, the Volunteer, acknowledge and understand that participation in the Activities (as defined by the Release and Waiver of Liability) may involve certain risks, including, but not limited to, per-sonal injury(ies), bodily injury, illness, permanent disability, property damage, loss and/or death (“Risks”).
Consent to Transportation and Medical Treatment. I consent to the use of first aid treatment and the use of generic and over-the-counter medications and treatments as directed by manufacturer labels, whether administered by the Released Parties or first aid personnel. In an emergency, I understand the Released Parties may try to contact the individual listed below as an emergency contact. If an emergency contact cannot be reached promptly, I hereby authorize the Released Parties to act as an agent for me to consent to any examination, testing, x-rays, medical, dental or surgical treatment for me as advised by a physician, dentist or other health care provider. This includes, but is not limited to, my assessment, evaluation, medical care and treatment, anesthesia, hospitalization, or other health care treatment or procedure as advised by a physician, dentist or other health care provider. I also authorize the Released Parties to arrange for transportation of me as deemed necessary and appropriate in their discre-tion. 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 lia-bility, 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 exer-cise the power to transport, administer first aid, and consent to assessment, examination, x-rays, medical, dental, surgical or other such health care treatment as set forth in the Parental Authorization for Treatment of, and Travel With, a Minor Child.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Volunteer has executed this Release as of the day and year first written above.