Organization: Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego
Eligibility Requirements
For the safety of our volunteers, staff, and guest families, all individuals participating in kitchen and meal service activities must be at least 16 years of age.
Volunteer Participation
I understand that I am participating as a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House San Diego (“RMH-SD”). My participation is voluntary and may include food preparation, meal service, kitchen cleaning, dishwashing, food handling, setup, breakdown, and other related activities.
Acknowledgment of Risks
I understand that volunteer activities in a kitchen environment involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:
Burns from ovens, stovetops, hot surfaces, steam, and heated liquids
Cuts and puncture injuries from knives, kitchen tools, and equipment
Slips, trips, and falls caused by wet floors, spills, cords, or kitchen traffic
Strains or other injuries from lifting, carrying, or moving supplies and equipment
Exposure to food allergens and food preparation ingredients
Other risks associated with food service and kitchen operations
I acknowledge that these risks may result in personal injury, illness, property damage, or other losses.
Health, Allergy, and Safety Requirements
To help ensure a safe environment for all guests, volunteers, and staff, I agree to:
Follow all instructions provided by RMH-SD staff and volunteer leaders.
Adhere to all kitchen safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures.
Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes and appropriate clothing.
Wash hands and follow food safety guidelines as directed.
Notify staff immediately of any injury, accident, unsafe condition, or concern.
Refrain from participating if I am experiencing symptoms of illness, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any contagious condition that may compromise food safety.
Inform RMH-SD staff of any severe food allergies, medical conditions, or physical limitations that could affect my ability to safely participate in volunteer activities.
I understand that RMH-SD kitchens regularly handle common allergens, including but not limited to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. RMH-SD cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
RMH-SD reserves the right to restrict participation in any activity for safety reasons.
Family Privacy and Confidentiality
I understand that families staying at Ronald McDonald House San Diego may be experiencing serious medical situations involving their children and loved ones. During my volunteer service, I may see or hear information about guest families.
To protect the privacy and dignity of all families, I agree to:
Respect the confidentiality of all guest families and their personal information.
Not ask intrusive questions about a family’s medical condition, treatment, or circumstances.
Not photograph, record, or share images, videos, names, stories, or identifying information about guest families without prior authorization from RMH-SD.
Not post information about guest families on social media or other public platforms.
Direct all media inquiries to RMH-SD staff.
I understand that maintaining family privacy is an essential part of my volunteer service.
These confidentiality obligations shall survive the termination of volunteer service.
Code of Conduct
As a volunteer, I agree to:
Treat all families, staff, volunteers, and guests with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
Maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Follow all House rules and staff directions.
Conduct myself in a manner that reflects positively on RMH-SD and my corporate group.
Refrain from any behavior that could compromise the safety, comfort, or privacy of guest families.
RMH-SD reserves the right to end a volunteer’s participation at any time if conduct is deemed unsafe, inappropriate, or inconsistent with the organization’s values.
Assumption of Risk
I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks, as described in the Assumption of Risk section above, associated with my participation in volunteer activities and accept full responsibility for any injury, illness, loss, or damage that may occur as a result of my participation.
Release and Waiver of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless Ronald McDonald House San Diego, its directors, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, damages, causes of action, losses, costs, or liabilities arising from or relating to my participation in volunteer activities, including claims arising from ordinary negligence of the released Parties, except to the extent caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Emergency Medical Authorization
In the event of an emergency, I authorize RMH-SD to obtain emergency medical care on my behalf if I am unable to do so. I understand that I am solely responsible for any medical expenses incurred as a result of such treatment.
Photo and Media Release
I grant permission to RMH-SD to photograph, record, and use my image, likeness, voice, and statements captured during volunteer activities for educational, promotional, fundraising, and marketing purposes, without compensation.
Personal Property
I understand that I am responsible for my personal belongings while participating in volunteer activities at Ronald McDonald House San Diego (“RMH-SD”). I acknowledge that RMH-SD does not assume responsibility for the loss, theft, damage, or misplacement of any personal property, including but not limited to cell phones, wallets, purses, jewelry, clothing, keys, vehicles, or other personal items brought onto the premises.
I agree to secure my personal belongings and understand that I participate in volunteer activities at my own risk with respect to personal property. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless RMH-SD, its directors, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and affiliates from any claims arising from the loss, theft, or damage of my personal property while participating in volunteer activities.