As a relief organization that completes overseas projects, and given that dangers abound in the world we live in, Hungry For Life (“HFL”) realizes that there are inevitable risks to staff and volunteers. These risks include serious physical injury, disease and even death. Some of our projects are based in countries with political situations that can become unstable or hostile to Westerners or Christians very rapidly, possibly resulting in temporary detention, even when no law has been broken. The potential for injury may be aggravated in some countries by primitive living conditions or health facilities. Moreover, the technology and wealth needed for modern means of transportation and communication may not be available at certain project locations, as most projects are located in developing nations.
HFL prayerfully seeks wisdom and knowledge in providing guidance for volunteers involved in HFL projects. Policies and procedures are specifically planned to reasonably anticipate need for protection of the health and safety of the staff and volunteers participating in projects. The leadership staff associated with each project has been carefully chosen and will exercise the wisdom and knowledge God has given them. Nevertheless, all matters are in the hands of the Lord and HFL cannot anticipate or plan for all risks.
This is a legal document. By signing this document you are giving up certain legal rights including the right to sue. You are also assuming certain obligations. Despite precautions taken, accidents and unfortunate circumstances occur and therefore this agreement must be signed.
Without restricting the generality of the foregoing, I agree as follows:
- I have of my own volition, requested that I be allowed to participate in a Hungry For Life Project/Trip.
- I understand there are inevitable risks involving, among other things, natural disasters, changes in political situation, different and primitive living, working and healthcare facilities, uncertain transportation and communication facilities, and possible acts of terrorism or war.
- In accordance with the privilege of demonstrating the compassion of Jesus Christ through participation in the trip referred to herein, I agree to the following:
- I accept full responsibility for all risks of injury to my person or property, and even death in any way related to, traveling to or from or participating in the trip. I hereby release and forever discharge Hungry For Life International and its affiliates, members, directors, officers, leaders, agents, volunteers and/or employees from any and all actions, causes of actions, suits, claims, demands, liabilities and expenses that I now have or may have in the future in connection with, arising from or related to, my travel to or from the location of the trip or my involvement in or participation in the trip, whether caused by the negligence or wrongful act of any person;
- I am fully aware that there are serious risks associated with traveling and I have considered the medical recommendations given to me by my health care practitioner in connection with the travel related to this trip. I agree that if I do not fully and completely comply with the medical recommendations, I shall accept full responsibility for the resulting consequences and hereby release and forever discharge Hungry For Life International, its affiliates, members, directors, officers, leaders, agents, volunteers and/or employees from all actions, causes of actions, suits, claims and demands whatsoever that may arise as a result of my failure to fully and completely comply with the medical recommendations;
- I acknowledge that I have read the Crisis Policies of Hungry For Life International and agree to be bound by its terms. I acknowledge that if I, or any other person(s), am kidnapped or used for extortion purposes, it is the policy of Hungry For Life International not to pay a ransom or comply with any demands made by the person(s) perpetrating the kidnapping or extortion. I hereby release and forever discharge Hungry For Life International, its affiliates, members, directors, officers, leaders, agents, volunteers and/or employees from all actions, causes of actions, suits, claims and demands whatsoever that may arise or result from my or any other persons’ kidnapping or use for extortion purposes;
- In case of any accident or illness, I give permission to any staff member, associate staff member or other volunteer of Hungry For Life International, or its affiliates, or authorized representative thereof, to seek any medical attention or treatment deemed necessary for me by the individual. I hereby release and forever discharge Hungry For Life International, its affiliates, members, directors, officers, leaders, agents, volunteers and/or employees from all actions, causes of actions, suits, claims and demands whatsoever that may result from or in connection with such accident or injury from or in connection with medical treatment administered in connection with said accident or injury. I will further indemnify and save them harmless from any and all costs, liabilities, expenses, claims, causes of action, suits or demands incurred by them, made, or taken against them as a result of, connected with or relating to such accident or illness and the medical treatment administered in connection therewith;
- I agree to indemnify and save harmless Hungry For Life International and its affiliates, their staff members, associate staff members, and volunteers from all claims, demands, suits or actions (including costs of defending them) against any of them by me or by any person injured or who suffered damage to person or property as a result of my action or in any way arising out of my participation in or any aspect of this trip, including the cost of defending any such suits, actions, or claims;
- I will conduct myself in a manner appropriate to a volunteer participant in the trip and abide by all rules, regulations, orders and directives given to me by Hungry For Life International and its affiliates and agents in connection with any matter relating to the trip.