The Association for Independent Living (AVI) has received the "Pelfort i Xinxó" award by the "Societat Econòmica Barcelonina d'Amics del País" for its task in helping people with physical and psychical limitations. The prize is conceded annually to a private institution that works in this area. The award has been given to the general secretary of AVI, Antonio López, of hands of the mayor of Barcelona, Jordi Hereu, and of the president of the Society, Miquel Roca i Junyent, in an act that took place in the Saló de Cent of the Town Council of Barcelona the past 31^st of January. Mr. Angel Castiñeira, member of the Department of Social Sciences of Esade, has spoken about the ethical wealth of nations, with regards to the classic of the economist Adam Smith, in an opening speech called "Values and ethical capital".

The "Societat Econòmica Barcelonina d'Amics del País" pioneered their activities in 1822, but it was not until 1834 that was definitively constituted. Their goals are the ones of promoting the progress of the society, the public spirit, the culture, the constitutional values and the social economy. The prizes are conceded annually since 1856 to reward the application and the effort in the study, the skill in a profession and the good family and civic actions, and are a faithful reflection of the spirit and the purpose of the Society.