“Petra is one of the most generous people,” shares Rhonda Cunningham, NHH Foundation CEO. “She helps many without looking for any return or recognition – often her help is given quietly and in the background. She has been a supporter of our hospital for nearly 20 years, and we are grateful for her ongoing friendship.”

Petra grew up in Port Hope, and aside from 10 years in London, Ontario, it is where she has lived her whole life. It is a town and a community she loves being a part of; where she has formed many connections; has run a successful business with her brother, Thomas; and where she raised her daughter, Sarah.

Her parents, Hilde and Dieter, founded Acme Electric Ltd. in Port Hope in 1960. What began as an electric motor repair shop evolved over the years into one of the largest electric motor part distribution companies in North America. They instilled the importance of hard work into Petra and Thomas from a young age. The siblings worked for the business growing up and eventually ran it together from 1994 until they sold it this past year.

After selling the business, Petra celebrated her retirement with a gift to NHH Foundation and hopes this will help enhance care and make people – patients and visitors to NHH – more comfortable.

“Our dad taught us it was important to give back to the community that was so good to us,” shares Petra.

Petra loves to laugh, loves being in the forest, has impromptu dance moments, and will take an idea and run with it. She is an animal lover and together with her partner, Eddy, she has five dogs and two cats.

NHH Foundation is just one organization that has benefitted from her philanthropy over the years and in addition to donating to community organizations, Petra is a dedicated Northumberland Sunrise Rotarian.

Thank you, Petra!