Lowcountry Orphan Relief

Volunteer Waiver and Release of Liability

1. Voluntary Participation

I understand that my service as a volunteer with Lowcountry Orphan Relief (LOR) is entirely voluntary. I am not an employee of LOR and will not receive compensation, benefits, workers’ compensation coverage or other insurance coverage for my participation.

2. Eligibility to Volunteer

I certify that I am at least 15 years of age. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian consent. Volunteers under the age of 16 who do not have a driver’s license must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times while volunteering.

3. Assumption of Risk

I understand that volunteer activities may include physical activity such as lifting, sorting, packing, organizing donated goods, working in warehouse or distribution environments and interacting with staff and other volunteers. I acknowledge that these activities may involve inherent risks including, but not limited to, slips, trips, falls, lifting injuries, exposure to dust or allergens, communicable illnesses and property damage.

I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation.

4. Release and Waiver of Liability

In consideration for being permitted to volunteer, I release, waive and discharge Lowcountry Orphan Relief, its directors, officers, employees, agents, volunteers and partners from any and all claims, liabilities, demands or causes of action arising out of or related to my participation in volunteer activities, including claims arising from the ordinary negligence of LOR.

This release does not apply to gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

5. Medical Authorization

In the event of an emergency, I authorize LOR to obtain or arrange for medical treatment on my behalf if I am unable to do so. I understand that I am solely responsible for any medical expenses incurred.

6. Personal Property

I understand that LOR is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to my personal property while participating in volunteer activities.

7. Confidentiality

Although LOR does not serve children onsite, I understand that I may have access to sensitive information related to families, donors or community partners. I agree to maintain strict confidentiality and will not disclose or share identifying or personal information obtained through my volunteer service.

This obligation continues after my volunteer service ends

8. Background Screening

I understand that certain volunteer roles may require a background check. I agree to provide necessary information and consent to such screening if requested.

9. Code of Conduct

I agree to act in a safe, respectful and responsible manner while volunteering. I will follow all instructions provided by LOR staff and comply with organizational policies and safety guidelines.

10. Indemnification

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless LOR from any loss, liability, damage or costs arising from my own actions or misconduct while participating as a volunteer.

11. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina. Any legal action arising from this Agreement shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in Charleston County, South Carolina.

12. Counterparts; Electronic Signatures

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same document. Use of a facsimile, e-mail or other electronic medium shall have the same force and effect as an original signature.

13. Attorney Fees

In the event it becomes necessary for either Party to retain the services of an attorney to enforce any term of this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs from the non-prevailing Party, in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law.

14. Choice of Words

The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the Parties to express their mutual intent. All pronouns and variations shall be deemed to refer to masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as applicable.

15. No Strict Construction

Neither Party shall assert that this Agreement should be construed against the drafting Party. The rule of strict construction shall not apply.

16. Entire Agreement (Merger Clause)

This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the volunteer and LOR and supersedes all prior representations, communications and understandings relating to the subject matter herein. Any facsimile or electronic copy shall be considered an original unless an executed original is received by both Parties within ten (10) days of transmission.

17. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a disagreement regarding any provision of this Agreement, the Parties shall first discuss the matter in good faith within seven (7) days of written notice. If unresolved within twenty-one (21) days, the Parties agree to submit the dispute to mediation and share mediation costs equally.

If mediation does not resolve the dispute, either Party may elect to submit the matter to binding arbitration. The Parties shall jointly select an arbitrator within thirty (30) days. If they cannot agree, a panel of arbitrators shall be appointed as provided herein, including appointment by the American Arbitration Association if necessary.

An arbitration award shall be binding and conclusive. Arbitration expenses shall be borne by the non-prevailing Party.

18. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.