Legal

1. Terms of Use – Limitation of Liability and Disclaimer of Endorsement

Limitation of Liability

Able Neighbours provides informational resources and community support guidance on an “as-is” and “as-available” basis without any representations or warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. By accessing or using this website, users expressly understand and agree that Able Neighbours, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors (collectively, “Released Parties”) shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages, including but not limited to damages for personal injury, property damage, data loss, lost profits, or any other tangible or intangible losses arising out of or related to:

   – The user’s access to or inability to access the Able Neighbours website, even if the Released Parties have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

   – The user’s reliance on any information, resources, or guidance provided on the website, regardless of any notification of potential consequences.

Users accept full responsibility for their use of Able Neighbours resources and waive any and all claims against the Released Parties. This limitation of liability applies to the fullest extent permitted by law in all jurisdictions. If certain limitations are held unenforceable in some jurisdictions, the liability of Able Neighbours shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Disclaimer of Endorsement

Able Neighbours is an independent entity offering general community resources and information solely for informational and volunteer purposes. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a substitute for any government agency or emergency response organization. Information provided on this website does not constitute official guidance and should not be relied upon in place of direction from local authorities. Users are encouraged to confirm with and adhere to the instructions of relevant authorities and local regulations during emergencies.

2. Privacy Policy – Data Collection Transparency

At Able Neighbours, user privacy is of utmost importance, and we strictly limit data collection to ensure compliance with privacy laws across multiple jurisdictions, including Canada and the United States.

Data Collection 

As a general policy, Able Neighbours does not collect personally identifiable information (PII) from users. We may collect anonymized data, such as basic usage metrics, solely for the purpose of improving website functionality. This data is collected through cookies or similar technologies and does not personally identify users. Users may opt out of non-essential cookies by adjusting their browser settings, though this may impact certain website features.

Data Use and Sharing 

Collected data is used strictly for internal performance analysis. Able Neighbours does not sell, lease, share, or otherwise distribute any collected data to third parties, except as required by law. All data is stored within secure infrastructure, and no personal information is exchanged or visible on our platform.

Compliance with Jurisdictional Privacy Laws

This Privacy Policy is intended to comply with data privacy laws applicable in the United States, Canada, and other international jurisdictions. Users who are residents of jurisdictions with specific data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU, are advised that their data rights are respected within the scope of these laws. For inquiries or requests related to data privacy, users may contact us via the Able Neighbours website contact page.

3. Volunteer Liability Waiver – Acknowledgement of Risk

Volunteer Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability  

By engaging in volunteer efforts based on the information or resources provided by Able Neighbours, users acknowledge and accept that volunteer activities inherently carry risks, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, or financial losses. Users assume full responsibility for these risks and agree that Able Neighbors, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors (collectively, “Released Parties”) shall not be held liable for any loss, harm, or damages that may arise from volunteer activities.

This Release of Liability shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws applicable in the user’s jurisdiction. Users hereby irrevocably waive any and all claims against the Released Parties, including claims for negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by law, regardless of the jurisdiction.

Indemnification Clause 

Users agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Able Neighbours and its Released Parties from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including legal fees and costs, arising from or related to volunteer activities, use of the site’s resources, or any third-party claims associated with the user’s actions, even if such claims arise from alleged negligence by the Released Parties.

Arbitration Clause  

All disputes arising out of or relating to these terms, the use of Able Neighbours’ resources, or any engagement in volunteer activities shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration. The arbitration shall be conducted in the user’s jurisdiction in accordance with local arbitration laws, and any judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court with jurisdiction. Users agree to waive the right to a trial by jury and any right to participate in a class action in connection with any claim or dispute.

Jurisdiction and Governing Law

These terms are governed by the applicable laws of Canada and the United States, to the extent necessary to uphold their validity across jurisdictions. Where local laws require modifications to specific terms, such adjustments will be applied as minimally as possible, preserving the intended protections and enforceability of these terms to the fullest legal extent.

4. General Provisions

Modification of Terms 

Able Neighbours reserves the right to modify, amend, or update these terms at any time without prior notice. Any changes to these terms will be posted on this website, and continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of such modified terms. Users are responsible for reviewing these terms periodically for any updates.

Severability Clause  

If any provision of these terms is found unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Any unenforceable provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, reflecting the original intent of Able Neighbours to the fullest extent permitted by law.

No Reliance Clause  

Users agree that they are not relying on any representations, warranties, or other statements outside of these terms. Able Neighbours makes no guarantees beyond those expressly stated, and any reliance on third-party statements or suggestions is at the user’s own risk.